Massive carbon dioxide gas embolism: a near catastrophic situation averted by use of cardiopulmonary bypass.

Endovascular vein harvesting is used as a less invasive method when compared to the standard open surgical method of dissecting and procurement of the greater saphenous vein. The benefits include smaller incision, decreased blood loss, less pain, decreased transfusion, decreased risk of infection and enhanced epidermal cosmetics. However, endovascular vein harvesting does have a learning curve to master the technique and although endovascular vein harvesting is the preferred standard of practice over the open surgical technique, it does have inherent potential complications.

Intrathecal morphine for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objective: To determine if preinduction intrathecal morphine is associated with successful intraoperative extubation in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Design: A retrospective noncontrolled chart review of all patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Setting: Single university hospital.