Effects of early vital capacity maneuver on respiratory variables during multivessel off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Objectives: Despite avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass, similar degrees of pulmonary impairment compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery have been demonstrated in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OPCAB) compared with on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. To investigate the effects of an early vital capacity maneuver (VCM) on intrapulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt), oxygenation, and pulmonary outcome in OPCAB.

Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.