No major differences in 30-day outcomes in high-risk patients randomized to off-pump versus on-pump coronary bypass

Christian H Møller1, Mario J Perko, Jens T Lund

  • 1Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department 2152, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. chm@ctu.rh.dk

Circulation
|January 20, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting is as safe as on-pump surgery for high-risk patients, showing similar short-term outcomes. This study compared both methods in patients with significant coronary artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Cardiac Surgery Outcomes
  • Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures

Background:

  • Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is considered safe for low-risk patients.
  • Observational data suggest potential benefits of off-pump CABG in high-risk populations.
  • Previous studies have not definitively compared on-pump versus off-pump CABG in high-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare 30-day adverse outcomes in high-risk patients undergoing off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of both surgical techniques in a high-risk cohort.
  • To provide evidence for clinical decision-making in complex CABG cases.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized trial involving 341 high-risk patients (EuroSCORE ≥ 5, 3-vessel disease).
  • Patients were assigned to either off-pump or on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.
  • Outcomes were tracked via the Danish National Patient Registry and adjudicated by a blinded committee.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in the composite primary outcome (adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular events) at 30 days (15% vs. 17%, P=0.48).
  • Individual adverse event rates, including mortality and myocardial infarction, were similar between groups.
  • Fewer grafts were performed to the lateral left ventricle territory in the off-pump group (P=0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Both off-pump and on-pump CABG are viable options for high-risk patients.
  • Short-term complication rates are low for both surgical approaches in this population.
  • The study provides valuable data on the comparative safety of CABG techniques in high-risk individuals.
Abstract