Abstract Background: The problem with using the gastroepiploic artery (GEA)for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is vasospasm. To minimize vasospasm of the GEA, a skeletonized harvesting technique was used for GEA harvesting. We present the initial results of GEA grafting using this technique. Methods: Between September 1, 2002, and December 31, 2002, a total of 25 patients (21 men and 4 women, mean age 65.4 +/- 8.7 years) gave informed consent and underwent elective off-pump CABG using the skeletonized GEA. Skeletonization was completed using an ultrasonic scalpel (Harmonic scalpel, coagulating-scissors; Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA). Follow-up data were available until August 31, 2003. Perioperative, early clinical, and follow-up results were analyzed. Results: There were no hospital deaths, perioperative myocardial infarctions, congestive heart failure, strokes, or renal failure. There were no abdominal complications. Follow-up data were available from all patients, with a mean follow-up of 0.8 +/- 0.1 years. There were no cardiac deaths or cardiac events. Conclusion: During our limited follow-up period, the early results of skeletonized GEA grafting were excellent, and cardiac events have been well controlled. Mid-term follow-up study and angiographic study are necessary to confirm our initial clinical outcome data.
Abstract Background: The problem with using the gastroepiploic artery (GEA)for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is vasospasm. To minimize vasospasm of the GEA, a skeletonized harvesting technique was used for GEA harvesting. We present the initial results of GEA grafting using this technique. Methods: Between September 1, 2002, and December 31, 2002, a total of 25 patients (21 men and 4 women, mean age 65.4 +/- 8.7 years) gave informed consent and underwent elective off-pump CABG using the skeletonized GEA. Skeletonization was completed using an ultrasonic scalpel (Harmonic scalpel, coagulating-scissors; Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, OH, USA). Follow-up data were available until August 31, 2003. Perioperative, early clinical, and follow-up results were analyzed. Results: There were no hospital deaths, perioperative myocardial infarctions, congestive heart failure, strokes, or renal failure. There were no abdominal complications. Follow-up data were available from all patients, with a mean follow-up of 0.8 +/- 0.1 years. There were no cardiac deaths or cardiac events. Conclusion: During our limited follow-up period, the early results of skeletonized GEA grafting were excellent, and cardiac events have been well controlled. Mid-term follow-up study and angiographic study are necessary to confirm our initial clinical outcome data.
Authors: Rachel M Massey; Oliver J Warren; Michal Szczeklik; Sophie Wallace; Daniel R Leff; John Kokotsakis; Ara Darzi; Thanos Athanasiou Journal: J Cardiothorac Surg Date: 2007-06-05 Impact factor: 1.637