A comparison of bleeding and transfusion in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting via sternotomy with and without cardiopulmonary bypass.

Objective: To determine whether there is a difference between on-pump cardiopulmonary bypass (CABG) and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) without heparin reversal with regard to bleeding, transfusion requirements, and incidence of surgical re-exploration of the mediastinum.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: A large academic medical center.