ABSTRACT 83

OFF-PUMP CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING (OPCAB) INITIAL EXPERIENCE IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Mukhtar Ahmed, FRCS

BACKGROUND. In an effort to avoid the adverse effects of cardiopulmonary bypass, “off-pump” myocardial revascularization is becoming much more popular and refined.  This study reviews the first fifty (OPCAB) procedures performed by One surgeon at Mayo Hospital, Lahore Pakistan.

METHODS. Over a period of 6-months 50 Obcap procedures were performed using Octopus-2 device.  Postoperative morbidity, mortality, and length of stay were recorded.

RESULTS. The average number of grafts was 3.4 ± 1.  There was no operative mortality and nobody developed neurological, pulmonary or renal complications.  Nobody required re-operation for bleeding.  Blood transfusion was required in 7 patients, atrial fibrilation was noted in three patients and one patient developed chest infection.  Five patients requires inotropic support.  The postoperative length of ICU stay was 1.2  ± 0.5 days and postoperative Hospital stay was 5.1 ± 1.6 days.  The cost of OPCAB procedure was less than one third of conventional bypass procedure.

CONCLUSION. Early results suggest that OPCAB is a safe and cost-effective method of coronary revascularization with excellent short-term results and minimal morbidity.