Off-pump surgery for anterior vessels in patients with severe dysfunction of the left ventricle (vol 70, pg 1034, 2000)

Background. Coronary artery revascularization in patients with severe dysfu nction of the left ventricle remains a high-risk procedure due its high mor tality and morbidity. Oh-pump operation seems to be particularly attractive for this patient group. We report our experience with off-pump coronary re vascularization in patients with severe dysfunction of the left ventricle. Methods. Between June 1997 and December 1999, 31 patients with left ventric le ejection fraction less than or equal 30% (mean left ventricle ejection f raction 24 +/- 12%, range from 12% to 30%) underwent off-pump coronary arte ry bypass grafting without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. There were 29 men (93.5%) and 2 women (6.5%). The Patients' ages ranged from 55 to 77 ye ars (61 +/- 10 years). Results. Mean number of grafts was 2 +/- 0.7 (range from 1 to 3). The inter nal mammary artery was used in 28 patients (90.3%). The hospital survival r ate was 93.5%, in the 6-month follow-up the survival was 90%. Conclusions. Off-pump coronary revascularization seems to be an alternative concept for the treatment of patients with severe dysfunction of the left ventricle. (Ann Thorac Surg 2000;70:1034-6) (C) 2000 by The Society of Thor acic Surgeons.