Evolution of perioperative blood transfusion practice after coronary artery bypass grafting in the past two decades.

Background And Aim Of The Study: Transfusion of blood products after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the perioperative use of blood products in patients undergoing CABG in our institution over the past two decades.

Methods: The study included 18 992 patients who underwent isolated CABG at our hospital between 1998 and 2017.

Preventing spasm of the radial artery conduit during coronary artery bypass grafting: Nicardipine versus verapamil.

Background And Aim Of The Study: In vitro studies have shown a reduction in radial artery spasm with the use of calcium antagonists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical treatment of the radial artery conduit using either verapamil or nicardipine before the anastomoses.

Methods: This prospective randomized study included 131 patients, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery with the use of the radial artery as a conduit.

Do women benefit more than men from off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting?

Objectives: Outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) are worse in women than in men. This study aims to investigate whether off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery improves the outcomes in women by comparing different outcome measures in both genders.

Methods: Patients who underwent isolated CABG, either on-pump (ONCAB) or OPCAB, between January 1998 and June 2017 were included.

Use of Postoperative Peak Arterial Lactate Level to Predict Outcome After Cardiac Surgery.

Objectives: In the present study, the authors investigated the predictive value of postoperative peak arterial lactate levels for early and late mortality after cardiac surgery.

Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

Setting: Single-center study in an academic hospital.