Optilene, a new non-absorbable monofilament is safe and effective for CABG anastomosis. OPTICABG - A prospective international, multi-centric, cohort study.

Introduction: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is performed to improve quality of life and to reduce cardiac-related mortality and morbidity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present observational study was to assess the performance of a new suture material (Optilene) for anastomosis construction in CABG surgery using a routine clinical procedure. Performance was assessed using the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Methods: The study was designed as an international, multi-centre, prospective cohort study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new non-absorbable monofilament for CABG surgery compared to data published in a previous meta-analysis. Optilene suture was used to create the distal and proximal coronary artery anastomoses. The primary endpoint was the cumulative MACCE rate up to discharge. Secondary parameters were intraoperative handling of the suture material and QoL up to 3 months after surgery. Patients were examined 30 days and 3 months postoperatively.

Results: In total, 199 patients were enrolled in 3 centres in Europe. The cumulative CABG adverse event rate up to the day of discharge was 3%, in contrast to the 8.46% given by the data generated by Nalysnyk et al. A -test showed that our CABG rate was significantly lower. QoL significantly increased from preoperatively until 3 months after surgery. Ease of handling the suture material was rated as very good.

Conclusion: Optilene suture material represents a safe and effective alternative to existing sutures used in CABG surgery for anastomosis construction.