Propensity-Matched Analysis of a Side-Clamp Versus an Anastomosis Assist Device in Cases of Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Saito and colleagues evaluated the idea that anastomosis assist devices reduced complications for patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Their study is a one-to-one propensity scores matched analysis including 7,348 pairs of patients comparing the outcomes of anastomosis assist devices with a side-biting clamp. The authors found no difference in 30-day mortality or stroke. However, transient ischemic attack occurred more frequently in the side-clamp group.