EXPERIENCE,

INSIGHTS AND
TECHNIQUES
FOR CARDIAC
SURGEONS AND
THEIR TEAMS
OPCAB Procedure Guide
Paul Sergeant, MD
BIOGRAPHY
PAUL SERGEANT, MD
Paul T. Sergeant is a cardiovascular surgeon with a medical license
from Gent University, Belgium. His general and cardiothoracic surgical
training includes extensive periods in the U.S., Netherlands and Israel.
His academic career at KU Leuven, Belgium, spans more than 30
years, where he retired in 2014. His PhD on Hazard Analysis in CABG is
based on an extensive short-and long-term database of thousands of
patients that was promoted by Eugene Blackstone, MD. In the clinical
realm, Prof. Sergeant focuses on adult cardiac surgery. Possessing a
passion for education and training, he is an information officer for the
European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery (EACTS) and founder of
Cardiothoracic Surgeons Network (CTSnet) where he serves as president
and board member.

Initially, Prof. Sergeant held some apprehension about OPCAB —

but through extensive discussions with Paul Grundeman, a Principal
Investigator of early stabilization techniques, Prof. Sergeant ultimately
converted. He continued on the OPCAB path, implementing the
essential components of learning, as recognized by the science of
learning: conceptual, induced, operational and virtual into his own daily
performance of CABG procedures.

Prof. Sergeant has proctored more than 900 three-day training sessions
in Belgium and conducted over 100 sessions in 40 countries. Exposure to
and working with the formalization of operational learning, as introduced
and lead by him continues to inspire and benefit many, including the
visiting teams of surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses. This experience
continues to encourage the essential driver towards the reduction of
risks for the patient.

This information is provided as an educational resource to practitioners based on

an identified need, but is not intended to constitute medical advice or in any way
replace the independent medical judgment of a trained and licensed physician with
respect to any patient needs or circumstances. Please see the complete Instructions
for Use for products discussed or demonstrated, including all product indications,
contraindications, precautions, warnings, and adverse events. These materials are
prepared using trained surgeons, who have been using these products regularly
within their practices, and the ease of use and outcomes may be different when
used by untrained or inexperienced practitioners.
TABLE OF CONTENTS USER TIPS
1.0 INTRODUCTION/GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Chapters marked with this symbol include links to videos
found on our OPCAB webpage. Videos are also available on
2.0 PLANNING OPCAB SURGERY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
the OPCAB Procedure Guide flash drive, provided by your
2.1 THE OPERATING THEATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Medtronic representative.
2.2 THE ANESTHESIA SET-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 THE PATIENT SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 (iPad) SWIPE to navigate pages
3.0 AT THE START OF SURGERY: ANESTHESIA MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . 5
I MPLEMENTINGOPCAB- EVIDENCE ISSUE THELEARNINGCURVEISSUE(I) THELEARNINGCURVEISSUE(II)
UNDERSTANDING THE The prevalence of learning curves is often cited as the cause of failure for new A second possible shape shows, from day one, first a decrease in

4.0 SURGERY: THE PERICARDIUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Evidence on OPCAB surgery has been very confusing. The data
approaches or procedures. However, learning curves take different shapes. performance from the previous level, followed by a gradual increase of
ISSUES AND LEARNING CURVE originating from experienced centers seemed always more
performance to a higher level versus the starting level. This shape of learning
convincing versus those coming from lesser experienced ones.
A first possible shape is the abrupt increase of the performance, from curve is the most common. From a medical ethics perspective this learning
The core issue has been that OPCAB was never proposed as a day one, from the previous level of performance up to the new level of curve shape is not acceptable for the surgeon’s first OPCAB patients.
GENERIC ISSUE strict set of rules, procedures and training process. OPCAB was performance. This is possible but will demand massive preparation and
Success or failure of the implementation of a new technology, perceived as a menu wherein components could be chosen and simulation training, possible but an atypical reality in the medical profession.
such as OPCAB, is based on many interaction drivers. deleted at will. This precluded that multi-center randomized

5.0 SURGERY: THE ANTERIOR WALL VISUALIZATION, THE

control trials and meta-analyses were combining different
concepts with different levels of safety monitoring, different
SUCCESS OR FAILURE » COMPLETENESS OF CONCEPT anticoagulation and stabilization protocols, different levels
PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE

of training, implementation and experience. It is obvious that

evidence generated in such an environment would and always

STABILIZATION AND ARTERIOTOMY INCISION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

APPROPRIATE LEARNING PROCESS
will be unstable.
NEW LEVEL NEW LEVEL
ENABLING MATERIAL PROVIDED
COMPLETENESS OF REVASCULARIZATION ISSUE
ONE-TIME OR CONTINUED PROCTORING Completeness of revascularization is a concept that has changed
over time with a better understanding of competition of flow

6.0 SURGERY: THE SHUNTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

AUDITING PROCESS with the primary circulation and with other grafts. The degree of
stenosis can now be measured in dynamic functional numerical OLD LEVEL OLD LEVEL
TECHNOLOGICAL PUSH AND PULL terms versus previous visual two-dimensional estimation
techniques. The completeness of revascularization should not
REAL WORLD EVENTS be dependent upon the surgical approach. The observations
made in several OPCAB studies of this variability in completeness
EVIDENCE should therefore only be based on incomplete concepts, training

7.0 SURGERY: THE ANASTOMOSIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

or experience.14 TIME TIME
EFFORTS OR BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING

ORGANIZATION AND THE SAFETY COCOON

8.0 SURGERY: THE PROXIMAL ANASTOMOSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1
1 2

9.0 A
 NESTHESIA AND SURGERY: THE CAUSES AND RESPONSES
ON ISCHEMIA DURING ANASTOMOSIS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
10.0 ANESTHESIA AND SURGERY: CONCEPTS OF ENUCLEATION . . . . . 15
TAP PAGE NUMBER to return
10.1 THE ANASTOMOTIC STABILIZER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 to TABLE OF CONTENTS
10.2 THE APICAL POSITIONER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
10.3 THE DEEP PERICARDIAL STITCH/TAPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
11.0 A
 NESTHESIA AND SURGERY:
A COMBINATION OF ENUCLEATING METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.0 INTRODUCTION/GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2.0 PLANNING OPCAB SURGERY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.1 THE OPERATING THEATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

12.0 S
 URGERY: ANASTOMOTIC ISSUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2.2 THE ANESTHESIA SET-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.3 THE PATIENT SELECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.0 AT THE START OF SURGERY: ANESTHESIA MANAGEMENT. . . . . . . . 5

13.0 A
 MULTIFACTORIAL APPROACH TO AVOID STROKE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 4.0 SURGERY: THE PERICARDIUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.0 SURGERY: THE ANTERIOR WALL VISUALIZATION, THE
STABILIZATION AND ARTERIOTOMY INCISION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

SPECIAL SECTION: IMPLEMENTING OPCAB-UNDERSTANDING 6.0 SURGERY: THE SHUNTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

7.0 SURGERY: THE ANASTOMOSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

THE ISSUES AND LEARNING CURVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 8.0 SURGERY: THE PROXIMAL ANASTOMOSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9.0 A
 NESTHESIA AND SURGERY: THE CAUSES AND RESPONSES

Caution: Not all patients are candidates for beating heart procedures. Navigate content by
Some patients would require cardiopulmonary support during surgery. TAPPING the chapter listed
INTRODUCTION
Many techniques have been described in OPCAB surgery, some have proven
to be more substantiated and some failed. The OPCAB surgery technique
described herein is the result of the collective experience of Prof. Sergeant and
the many surgeons, anesthetists and nurses that have collaborated with him
over the span of his career in Leuven.

This technique has been successfully applied to thousands of consecutive

CABG patients and trained in younger surgeons. Conversion rates are
approximating 1%. Prof. Sergeant is convinced that alternative approaches
are possible, however this concept has been taught to more than 1300 visiting
surgeons, anesthetists and nurses from more than 60 countries.

1.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goals: WHY OPCAB? WITH PROF. PAUL SERGEANT
To implement the OPCAB approach for the benefit of the patient
Objectives:
n
Structure the OPCAB team and its interfaces
n
Nursing staff sets-up the operating theatre, provides instruments, devices
and supports the surgical process
n
Anesthesia staff monitors, understands and responds to ischemia and
hemodynamic failure
n
Surgeon staff stabilizes, shunts and anastomoses in the OPCAB environment
The operational learning process becomes optimal when:
n
The reduction of the conversion rate to on-pump is as low as possible
n
The early mortality and morbidity vs. on-pump CABG is equal or better

n
The late benefits of on-pump CABG have not been compromised

1
2.0 PLANNING OPCAB SURGERY MISTER BLOWER
Many surgical teams employ the mister blower to clear the anastomotic area
2.1 THE OPERATING THEATRE from blood by blowing a mist of CO2 gas and fluid over the region.
Due to the reduced airspace, during lateral wall OPCAB revascularization,
some additional or different instruments are needed. The traditional needle MAGNETIC MATTRESS
holder will need to be replaced by a Castroviejo, at least 23-cm in length. The Many surgical set-ups consist of an adjustable high table positioned above
unstable or moving target surface forces the surgeon to work with an open the patient’s abdomen. Such a setting will create a conflict when the legs
needle holder (without or with open hatches) during the needle passage of the patient are elevated. We have replaced this with a sterile magnetic
of the vessel walls. A rounded-off handle of the needle holder and forceps mattress.
will facilitate the rotation of the instrument without moving the stabilized
surgical hand. The incision of a coronary vessel in reduced airspace does WARM ROOM
not allow the use of an angulated Potts scissors; as a consequence straight The operating theatre is warmed to 24°C (75°F) before the patient enters
shaped micro-scissors should be available. The required instruments for a the room and this temperature is maintained until the draping of the patient.
conversion should be available in the operating room, but do not have to be The patient is lying on a water or preferably gel-based warming mattress.
on the surgical tables. A number of surgical tools have been developed to If careful attention has been made to patient temperature loss, then no
help the surgical team. sterile warm-air blankets are needed. After draping, the room temperature
is lowered to 20°C (68° F), but it needs to be stated that the patient’s
RETRACTORS temperature remains a priority and if needed, a higher operating theatre
Sternal retractors have been modified so that additional stabilizing devices temperature is maintained.
can be properly anchored. Two additional types of devices are further
proposed, the anastomotic stabilizer and the apical positioner. Both of these OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE OPERATING THEATRE
devices have known major developments. The first original anastomotic Beyond the scope of this document is the possible consideration of the use
stabilizers were compression and friction stabilizers. Compression stabilizers of the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation or
deform the natural shape of the cardiac surface, which is potentially left/right ventricular assist device in the operating environment. Since our
deleterious.1 In my experience, the optimal stabilizer is a suction stabilizer, approach is a no-touch aorta approach, we do not have epiaortic scanning
respecting very much the natural shape of the heart. devices readily available.

APICAL POSITIONERS ENUCLEATION

The apical positioners are used to enucleate and displace the cardiac shape Enucleating the heart will induce some volume shifts. These shifts will
and come in two formats, a suction cup with a predefined outer ring and a demand positional changes of the body, such as rotation of the body and
triad of suction surfaces .The anastomotic suction devices as well as the elevation of the legs. A table that allows separate elevation of the legs is
apical positioners demand separate vacuum control units. Each of these preferable for OPCAB.
suction units mandates different controls and different vacuum settings.
PERFUSION
With greater experience, and conversion rates below 1%, it was felt
CORONARY SHUNTS
acceptable to maintain a perfusionist presence in the hospital, but not
An additional and essential device is the coronary shunt. The shunt allows
necessarily in the actual operating theater.
the continued perfusion of the coronary outflow area during most of the
anastomosis time.

2
2.2 THE ANESTHESIA SET-UP EXTRACORPOREAL 2.3 THE PATIENT SELECTION
CIRCULATION SUPPORT AND MONITORING The preparation of an optimal OPCAB procedure starts with patient
When a patient is supported by an extracorporeal circulation, it does not selection in relation to the used OPCAB concept utilized. Critical
really matter whether the heart is beating or not, functioning or non- understanding of the clinical condition and the coronary angiogram and or
functioning. In the OPCAB mode any variance from normal functioning will echocardiogram identifies issues demanding more extensive experience, a
need to be identified in real-time, preferably beat-to-beat, allowing the variance in surgical strategy during OPCAB or a non-OPCAB approach.
earliest possible therapeutic and procedural response.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
An arterial line in combination with a peripheral and a central line initiate the A patient undergoing CPR or in severe cardiogenic shock (CO less than
monitoring. Ischemic activity of the heart is monitored through a multi-lead 1/M²) is an absolute contraindication. Any manipulation of the heart will
ST monitor and a trans-esophageal echocardiography (TEE). Both have induce ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Moderate cardiogenic shock
important limitations in monitoring ischemia during displacement of the (CO between 1-2 L / M²) in combination with pulmonary edema or low
heart during the grafting of the postero-lateral walls of the heart. Perhaps saturation is also an absolute contraindication, because the failure of the
the most important hemodynamic variable in the monitoring of ischemia pulmonary system will drive the patient into a possibly lethal negative spiral.
is the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and wave form. Some Moderate cardiogenic shock without pulmonary failure becomes a relative
groups prefer to introduce a left atrial catheter while others, including our contraindication, certainly when IABP is available, but demands highly
group, rely on the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)as a surrogate committed experience and teamwork.
for LVEDP.2 Indeed left ventricle (LV) stiffness is one of the earliest signs of
myocardial ischemia. A quadrangular change of the pulmonary wave form Some very committed and experienced teams may consider moderate
is a warning signal similar to an unexplainable increase of PCWP pressure. cardiogenic shock without pulmonary failure a relative contraindication in
The TEE is useful in the assessment of regional wall motion in the pre-and conjunction with IABP.
post- revascularization period but during enucleation this is difficult through
a loss of acoustic coupling. Pulse induced contour cardiac output monitoring A fine-tuned titration of inotropic support balanced with peripheral dilation
(PICCO) is an alternative. is acceptable here. Conversion should not be considered a failure of the
surgical approach, but an effort to reduce the already present pulmonary
The incidence of intraoperative awareness is high in cardiac surgery. To congestion.
avoid the reflex of decreasing the dose of anesthetics in the presence
of hemodynamic instability and avoid intra-operative awareness, we A very critical left main stenosis is no absolute, but becomes a relative
recommend using bispectral index monitoring, particularly in the first phase contraindication when combined with hemodynamic and electrical
of the OPCAB learning curve. instability; this is due to a higher level of knowledge and skills required from
the team. Without this combination, it is perfectly normal to have an OPCAB
The second most important aspect of monitoring the heart is the visual approach with an appropriate revascularization strategy. A deep intramural
monitoring by surgeon and anesthesiologist throughout the entire or intraseptal coronary pathway is no absolute contraindication, but
procedure. They monitor the general shape, the color of the cardiac surface demands a wider experience in OPCAB. This requires mastering an additional
(any variability in color will be considered variability in perfusion), the waves technique and skill — and some additional tools.
of depolarization, the interaction between apical and anastomotic stabilizers
with the cardiac structures and the coronary vessels.

3
CORONARY VESSEL VARIABILITY DISCUSSION WITH PATIENTS
The anatomical variability of the coronary vessels needs to be studied in Whether the OPCAB patient should go into a fast-track process after surgery
relation to the positioning of the anastomotic stabilizer and apical positioner. is a discussion that exceeds the scope of this guide. In some units nearly all
As an example, a diagonal vessel that extends to the apex, can interface with patients are included in such a process, whether they were treated on- or off-
apical positioning. Two coronary vessels in the immediate vicinity of each pump; in other units hardly any such patient follows this type of track. There
other demands specific transformations of the stabilizer. Vessel pathology, is no reason why OPCAB patients, in the absence of massive comorbidity,
stenosis and bifurcations can create issues for shunt positioning and should not have this opportunity proposed.
perfusion leading to possible consequences on the grafting sequence and
strategy. It helps to identify these issues before the start of the procedure. The team’s approach to the procedure should be conveyed to the
patient which would include early and late benefits as well as the possible
MITRAL INCOMPETENCE consequences.
The presence of mitral incompetence can influence the surgical strategy
towards a combined valvular coronary procedure but is not a relative or The discussion whether to discontinue anti-aggregant medication before
absolute contraindication for the OPCAB approach. In these cases with a surgery is a matter of debate.3 In the last ten years, it has not been our routine
fragile mitral valve plateau, any enucleation of the left ventricle to discontinue this type of medication. All other cardiac medication such as
will need to follow even stricter concepts and monitoring. beta-blocking agents or similar is continued.

A chronic very low ventricular ejection fraction demands a very strict From the start of the day of surgery, strict attention will be focused on the
application of the monitoring, enucleation and stabilization process. No preservation of patient body temperature. This starts in the ward room and
deformation of the left ventricular cavity or change in mitral valve continues to the draping of the patient in the operating rooms. The operating
incompetence is acceptable and therefore the anastomotic technique room is optimally warmed to 24°C ( 75°F) before the patient arrives and
and instrumentation will need to be adapted to the reduced airspace. This this temperature needs to be maintained until draping. The use of heating
clinical situation in an acute setting of active or recent ischemia is one of the blankets is a more expensive alternative when normal processes have failed.
most challenging and it demands extensive experience. While it is rather
easy to displace large left ventricular volumes, it is very difficult to displace
ventricles suffering from massive left ventricular hypertrophy. Certainly if
these ventricles have incurred a recent infarct they may have zones of lesser
compliance. A gradual build-up of team experience will facilitate the OPCAB
approach in these clinical settings. An appropriate anesthetic approach,
considering beta-blocking agents and restricted use of inotropes could
make the difference.

4
3.0 AT THE START OF SURGERY: Protamine is used at a 1 to 1 ratio (or 0.8 to 1) for reversal of the heparin
effect at the end of the anastomotic time. The use of prophylactic
ANESTHESIA MANAGEMENT anti-fibrinolytics agents was not standard.
General anesthesia is still the most common type of anesthesia for
BLOOD MANAGEMENT
off-pump coronary artery surgery. Thoracic epidural anesthesia in an awake
All blood loss during the complete interval of the procedure is recovered
patient has also been used for this type of surgery but there are no known
in a heparinized system and reservoir. This is only washed if more than one
convincing clinical trials published to date. Thoracic epidural anesthesia in a
unit can be saved and given to supplement a Hgb level below 9-g/dl or at the
sleeping patient is not used routinely since most of our patients are on anti-
surgeon’s discretion. Blood products are only given in the presence of proven
aggregative medication. General anesthesia covers several aspects that
abnormal anticoagulation.
require close control in the pre- intra- and postoperative care of surgical
patients. It consists not only of an adequate induction and maintenance of
We have observed, that a major challenge during OPCAB surgery exists in
unconsciousness but also of the continuous titration to proper (i.e. adjusted
managing the cardiovascular volume changes that occur with dislocation of
to the type of surgery) levels of analgesia, amnesia, neuromuscular blockade
the heart during exposition of the latero-posterior wall. This may possibly
and stress control.
be associated with kinking of systemic and pulmonary veins or an increase
of mitral valve incompetence. Preload decreases acutely and cardiac
PHARMACEUTICAL APPROACH performance drops suddenly.
For each of these separate pharmaco-dynamic goals the modern
anesthesiologist uses a multitude of different drugs. Current developments
We favor the following hemodynamic conditions during the entire procedure:
in the field have produced pharmacological agents with favorable
pharmacokinetic properties allowing a fast onset and offset of their effects.
For the anesthetic management of patients undergoing OPCAB surgery
there is no reason to select “special” drugs. The one evolution that has
HEMODYNAMIC CONDITIONS » HEART RATE BETWEEN 55 TO
70- BPM SINUS RHYTHM
occurred over the past few years is the gradual omission of the “high dose
opioid” technique.4 The use of high dose opioids to obtain unconsciousness SYSTOLIC ARTERIAL BLOOD
offers great hemodynamic stability at the expense of prolonged PRESSURE > 85-MMHG AND
postoperative respiratory depression.5,6 The novel ultra-short acting opioid DIASTOLIC ARTERIAL BLOOD
PRESSURE > 50-MMHG
Remifentanil® is the only exception to this.7 Recent studies have shown that
the addition of low doses of a hypnotic drug safeguards the patient from
experiencing unintentional awareness.8,9 It is clear that several combinations CVP > 5-MMHG AND PCWP 10 >
of drugs are being used with success in a variety of medical centers.10 < 18-MMHG

MANAGING ANTI-COAGULATION CARDIAC INDEX > 2 L/MIN / M²

In OPCAB surgery, the management of anticoagulation no longer needs to
focus on the prevention of CPB-induced activation of the coagulation system
with high-dose heparin, but hypercoagulability, thromboembolic phenomena NORMOXIA, NORMOCARBIA
AND NORMOTHERMIA
and graft patency issues have been shown to occur in OPCAB patients.
We have never observed these issues, but for that reason we still opt for full
heparin doses to obtain an ACT of 400 seconds, demanding 3-mg/kg or more
if needed. There is a linear relationship between time and the logarithmic
scale of heparin. In consequence the ACT is measured every 15 minutes and
top-up doses of heparin are administered when ACT is below 400 seconds. Remifentanil is a registered trademark of Glasko Smith Kline.

5
VOLUME CHANGES VASODILATION
The treatment of hemodynamic volume changes is based on an Vasodilatation in the presence of a normo-thermic body can also induce a
understanding of the pathophysiology involved. Preload decreases may decrease in afterload. Pharmacological increase of afterload may improve
be caused by right ventricular outflow compression, an obstructed inferior collateral coronary perfusion. The decision to increase afterload depends
and/or superior caval and/or pulmonary venous return, an increase of mitral on the preexisting ventricular function. In severely depressed ventricles,
valve incompetence caused by destabilization of the mitral valve plateau or low doses of inotropic support are administered in combination with
an increase in left atrial volume (with constant filling) induced by elongation vasopressors. In all other patients we absolutely avoid inotropic support
at elevation of the heart. The surgeon-anesthesia interface, guided by and administer alpha 1 agonists because they decrease venous capacitance
appropriate monitoring, will communicate these findings in real time and (improve preload) and have a pharmacological preconditioning effect
induce the appropriate response in the surgical field or by anesthesia. Lower (G-protein coupled).
filling pressures are often associated with atrial electrical instability. The
systemic and pulmonary venous return is primarily preserved by elevating ELECTRICAL INSTABILITY
the legs. Electrical instability in OPCAB surgery has surgical and electrolytic causes.
This instability has major hemodynamic consequences, therefore our
Trendelenburg is avoided due to its compromise on superior vena caval approach is absolute avoidance, even of a single PVC.
return with possible cerebral consequences. Colloids are administered
to maintain a central venous pressure > 8-mmHg or PCWP above Sinus bradycardia below 55-bpm is treated by placing atrial pacing leads
12-mmHg. Higher filling pressures are accepted in the presence of and pacing at the discretion of the anesthesiologist. A physiologic heart
COPD, atrial fibrillation or severe left ventricular hypertrophy. In these rate will also improve the cardiac output, reduce the ventricular cavity and
circumstances higher filling is normal and essential for normal cardiac facilitate the displacement of the heart. Sinus tachycardia above 70-bpm
output. can be caused by an insufficient level of anesthesia, a decrease in filling or
insufficient beta-blocking agents. This is treated accordingly. If additional
beta-blocking agents are needed, long-acting drugs are preferred versus
short-acting, to guarantee the coverage for the duration of the procedure.
Tachycardia is often the first sign of ischemia and if nitroglycerin is not
already infusing, a nitroglycerin infusion is started and continued throughout
the procedure. Left Bundle Branch Block, Right Bundle Branch Block or Left
Anterior Hemiblock (LBBB, RBBB or LAHB) can easily lead to complete AV
block in the presence of ischemia. The safety of the conduction in these
patients might be guaranteed from the start by placing AV sequential
pacing and the availability of a pacemaker. Chronic atrial fibrillation does not
facilitate the enucleation or the surgical technique. This can be solved by
placing ventricular leads, additional beta-blocking agents and over-pacing
where needed. A very proximal right coronary artery anastomosis and its
possible reduction of flow during the anastomosis have been reported to be
associated with complete AV block or an AV junctional rhythm. To address
this (AV or V) pacing leads are placed, but this should not be considered an
alternative to shunting.
 
ANESTHESIA INSTALLATION

6
Cell excitability is strongly influenced by the extracellular potassium
concentration, the major determinant of the resting membrane potential.
4.0 SURGERY:
If the extracellular potassium concentration is higher, the cell membrane
THE PERICARDIUM
concentration decreases. This extracellular potassium can easily be
The sternal retractor is placed after the incision of the skin. It is somewhat
influenced by causing an intra-to-extra cellular ion shift by changing the
easier to have the transverse bar cranially. Note that 90% of the vertical sides
blood pH or administering glucose and insulin or by infusion of potassium. We
and the transverse bar are appropriate for mounting the stabilizer. Make sure
monitor potassium constantly and maintain this above 4.1-mmol/L.
that an optimal retraction is obtained in the lower part of the mediastinum.
PVCs are considered the early warning signs of ischemia. They are therefore
A suboptimal widening of the superior mediastinum is of less importance.
additionally avoided by reducing or eliminating the contact between the hand
For the stabilization of the anterior wall we place the mounting clamp of
of the surgeon and the cardiac surface. Magnesium sulfate, due to its pivotal
the stabilizer, at the lowest part of the right arm of the sternal retractor and
role in cardiac excitability, neuromuscular transmission and vasomotor tone
the articulating arm swings as low as possible over the abdomen and the
is given in a preventive manner in almost all patients at a dose of 25-mg/kg.
diaphragm. The arm is used to stabilize the surgical hand.
At times Xylocaine® and Diltiazem® might be considered, however not
routinely used.
Several surgical options exist for opening the pericardium and chest cavities.
Our approach is driven by the use of both internal thoracic arteries in nearly
The blood glucose level is constantly monitored and maintained between
all procedures and by our enucleation concept. We only open the pericardium
physiological levels. Where possible, gases and infusion lines are brought to
after the harvesting of both internal thoracic arteries, to reduce the time of
normal patient temperature.
exposure of the open mediastinum. We open both pleural cavities to allow
Diltiazem is a registered trademark of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. maximum length and mobility of these grafts. In the rare patients where
Xylocaine is a regsitered trademark of AstraZeneca. no right ITA graft is used, the right pleural cavity is not opened since the heart
isn’t enucleated in this cavity. A contemporary discussion regarding the
variety of bypass conduits exceeds the scope of this document. We make
four pericardial incision lines.

7
OPENING THE PERICARDIUM

LINE 1
Vertical axis incision along the midline.

LINE 2
The most important element follows: It is a horizontal incision along the
diaphragm, on the right side towards the right pleural cavity, on the left side
towards the left pleural cavity so that the left ventricular apex becomes
visible and can then be moved unobstructed.

LINE 3
Intended to lower the left internal thoracic artery as much as possible away
from the sternum and to optimize its length. It incises the left superior
pericardium up to and after visualization of the phrenic nerve and is extended
in parallel to the phrenic nerve. 4 3
LINE 4
On its right side, line 4 is similar to line 3 and is only applied when an in-situ
right internal thoracic artery is used. This in-situ graft is used for extremely

PHRENIC NERVE

PHRENIC NERVE
severe proximal right coronary artery stenosis, possibly also for diagonal or
intermediary vessels-stenosis in the presence of a sub-occluded left main
coronary artery.
1

APEX

2 DIAPHRAGM

8
5.0 SURGERY: The anastomotic area is now stabilized within the pods of the stabilizer.
To further reduce some longitudinal or lateral movement, we place
THE ANTERIOR WALL VISUALIZATION, THE additional secondary stabilizing stitches within the epicardium in the
ANASTOMOTIC SITE, THE STABILIZATION direction of the instability (these are tagged with small instruments such
AND THE ARTERIOTOMY INCISION as mosquito hemostats).

The LAD and its septal and diagonal tributaries is the coronary system with
the largest outflow area. If the angiogram, confirmed by fractional flow
measurements, identifies a critical stenosis or even a complete occlusion, then
this area is frequently vascularized before other areas of the heart. The lateral,
posterior and inferior regions of the heart are approached after grafting the
anterior region. The ventricle is not touched by hands or instruments other
than the stabilizer, to avoid even a single PVC. Usually the diagonal vessels are
vascularized before the LAD.

At opening of the pericardium, the LAD is visible at the left outer side of the
open space, without visibility of the diagonal side branches. Only the left side
of the pericardium is suspended to the chest wall, creating a minimal rotation
of the left ventricle and some additional exposure. Considerable additional
exposure is created by placing a horizontal line of separate retraction stitches
in the left pericardium. Start at the left upper side of the pericardium, at the
level of the pulmonary valve and pull the heart up gently. The stitch is fixed
to the sternal towels immobilized by the sternal retractor. The next stitch
proceeds towards the diaphragm, parallel to the phrenic nerve and goes lower PERICARDIAL RETRACTION FOR ANTERIOR WALL
versus the previous one. Gradually the complete anterior wall is exposed.

Attention is given to the fully expanded lung behind this pericardium.

Usually three or four of these separate stitches are needed. This approach is
insufficient for access to the intermediary vessels.

The anastomotic site on the coronary vessel (diagonal or LAD) is chosen

based on the grafting strategy, the graft, shunting and the stabilization of the
anastomotic area. We use only suction anastomotic stabilizers due to their
respect for the ventricular shape and cavity. The current models consist of
two stabilizing pods with four suction cups. Any coronary vessel, in particular
a large vessel such as the LAD, should avoid compression by the stabilizers.
We therefore always try to stabilize the diagonal vessels, whatever their axis,
by placing the anastomotic stabilizer parallel to the LAD. If the tip of one of the
two stabilizing zones would touch the LAD, then this tip is everted upwards to
avoid all contact. If the stabilizing zones would be too close to another coronary
vessel, then the two branches are gently spread apart further, doubling the
space between the pods, although with some loss of stability. The negative STABILIZATION OF THE LAD
pressure is between (-350) and (-400)-mmHg.

9
The insertion of the shunt demands a disease-free area of the coronary
vessel in the last centimeter before the incision; in addition any bifurcation
6.0 S
 URGERY:
immediately before or after the anastomotic site will bring shunting at risk
THE SHUNTING
through selective perfusion or obstruction of flow. These aspects are taken
Grafting a coronary vessel means that one considers the area at risk of
into consideration before the anastomotic site is decided.
ischemia. Not shunting a coronary vessel during the anastomotic phase
dramatically increases the risk of a sudden appearance of ischemia and
Any change in position of the coronary vessel, as caused by stabilization,
possible conversion. We therefore always shunt, even in the presence of
can induce ischemia. This is most valid during stabilization of large and
an occluded vessel. The preservation of the existing collateral flow is
sometimes tortuous vessels as with the proximal RCA. A high level of
critically important. In addition there is a risk of total AV block if a proximal
bidirectional communication between surgeon and anesthesia is needed
right coronary artery is occluded and grafted without shunting; even more
during this period.
in the presence of LBBB, RBBB or total AV block. The safety in these last
conditions is always increased by having sequential pacing in place, even if
Before the arteriotomy incision is made, it must be decided if the shunt
a shunt is used.
will be inserted in a bloodless field or not. Our general concept is to never
place a temporary clamp or ligature distal to the anastomotic area. Under
In addition the presence of a shunt optimizes the anastomotic shape and
normal circumstances a proximal tourniquet is applied with an elastic
reduces the risk of outflow or inflow stenosis. This is most valid in the
ligature (4-zero monofilament round needle) or loop. There are two possible
presence of very small coronary vessels. The shunt insertion process starts
exceptions to this. The first is when the coronary vessel has an intraseptal
by interfacing with the anesthesiologist about the conditioning of the
or intramural pathway with unknown depth. The second situation is with an
patient. If necessary the incision, shunt insertion and the creation of the
occluded vessel, often with an inverted or retrograde coronary flow. In both
anastomosis is postponed.
of these circumstances no proximal or distal tourniquet is applied. Bleeding
is controlled through pushing on the proximal part of the vessel with a small
The flow through the shunt is dependent on the mean perfusion pressure
sponge.
and the internal lumen of the shunt. A 2-mm shunt with a 70-mmHg
perfusion pressure will easily give 40-cc of flow per minute.11 We therefore
always try to insert the maximum size shunt in relation to the internal lumen
of the coronary vessel. Insertion of any sized shunt will always create a
gradient on the intraluminal distal coronary perfusion pressure. We believe
the more severe the proximal stenosis or the smaller the open lumen, the
lesser the consequences on gradient. If a severe stenosis allows a flow of
40-ml/min and the shunt allows 35-ml/min, then there will be only a minimal
gradient.

This is certainly at risk to happen if a previously inserted ITA graft is now used
as inflow for a new graft and is shunted during the connection, as in repeat
procedures. The ITA graft, for example may allow 80-ml/min but the shunt
would only allow 45-ml/min.

A shunt placement can damage the walls of the coronary vessel.12 Therefore
we believe the shunt placement process should be learned and practiced in
a stress- free low-fidelity simulation environment until a smooth insertion
process is obtained. Some scholars may need to simulate this hundreds of
times before being able to perform this stress-free. Only then will it be placed
in the real setting with stress, blood and reduced air space.
10
After shunt insertion, the surgeon evaluates the flow in the distal coronary
bed, the color of the epicardial surface and the twirling moves of the distal
coronary vessel. It is important at this time to communicate the shunt
positioning to anesthesia. A gas-blowing device is often used to clear the
anastomotic region from blood dissipating along the shunt. This device can
create a temporary air lock in coronary arteries and therefore direct injection
of air into coronaries is avoided.
If ischemia is observed during shunt use there may be a number of causes
and therapeutic options available:
n
Malpositioning of the Shunt: The surgeon must always evaluate if the
shunt is properly inserted in the coronary vessel proximally and distally.
In very deep intra-mural coronaries, malpositioning is more likely to
occur. The surgeon must evaluate if the shunt does not obstruct the flow
proximally or if there is distal selective perfusion in a bifurcation.
n
Dysfunctioning of the Shunt: In the presence of shunts reinforced with a SHUNT INSERTIONS
metal spring, the surgeon can pinch the spring and thereby obstruct the
internal channel.
n
Insufficient Flow Through Shunt: If the two previously mentioned causes
have been ruled out then the shunt size needs to be considered. The first
and most efficient approach is for the surgeon to consider the placement
of a larger shunt. This can double the delivered flow for the same perfusion
pressure if a 0.5-mm larger shunt can be used.11 The anesthesiologist may
also increase the perfusion pressure. This will increase the collateral flow
but will only have a minimal impact of the flow through the shunt due to the
flow characteristics through a shunt.
n
The surgical team must consider that non-shunt factors could have caused
ischemia. Simultaneously all efforts towards conversion are initiated but
conversion is not started unless the previous approaches were shown to
be ineffective.

11
7.0 SURGERY:
THE ANASTOMOSIS TEACHABLE OPCAB ANASTOMOSIS SKILLS » POSTURE

Once the shunt is placed, the anastomosis can start. HAND STABILIZATION

Many surgeons continue to use 7-0 suture with a needle length of

NEEDLE HOLDER HANDLING
9 or 11-mm. While this is possible in sufficient airspace as on the
anterior surface of the heart, it becomes very difficult to navigate
with these very large needles in reduced airspace. In addition, a NEEDLE HOLDER BALANCING
typical 7-0 suture makes a 250-micron hole in the wall, whereas
an 8-0 needle makes on average 150-micron holes. We strongly NEEDLE HOLDER MANIPULATION
advise therefore to use an 8-0 suture with a 6-mm needle to
facilitate the anastomotic process. The passage of the needle
through the moving coronary vessel wall has to be done with an NEEDLE MANIPULATION
open/unlocked needle holder to reduce the penetration trauma.
NEEDLE MOVEMENT IN
The anterior wall airspace allows a parachuted or non-parachuted 3-DIMENSIONAL SPACE
technique, but the other surfaces with potentially reduced
airspace often require a non-parachuted technique. In addition ANASTOMOTIC TECHNIQUES IN
the parachuted technique may induce a possible sawing effect REDUCED AIRSPACE
on the vessel wall creating penetration trauma, most certainly
in a moving coronary artery. We have adapted our anastomotic
method for all anastomoses to the non-parachute technique,
demanding higher technical skills but highly adapted to
anastomoses in reduced airspace on moving targets.

OPCAB anastomoses are deconstructed into teachable

components and learned in low-fidelity simulation.

12
8.0 S
 URGERY:
THE PROXIMAL
ANASTOMOSIS
In our earliest OPCAB experience we performed proximal anastomoses on
the aorta at an average of 1.2 proximals per patient. We often used epiaortic
scanning to optimize the proximal anastomotic site and avoided any clamping
if the aorta was diseased as diagnosed on angiogram, TEE or visually. Our
OPCAB approach in combination with this low proximal anastomotic rate
has halved the prevalence of major and minor strokes from 1.5% to 0.7%
in a consecutive series of more than 3000 patients. We considered this an
insufficient reduction and have deleted all manipulation of the aorta to the
no-touch aorta approach. We now consider any manipulation of the aorta in
the OPCAB approach as an inconsistent and incomplete concept, but very
rarely needed. PREVALENCE OF MAJOR AND MINOR STROKES

1.5%

% OF STROKE
0.7%

3000 PATIENTS

13
9.0 ANESTHESIA AND SURGERY: When ischemia is identified during the anastomotic interval then the
previously mentioned causes remain valid, and additional causes of supply
THE CAUSES AND RESPONSES ON become plausible:
ISCHEMIA DURING ANASTOMOSIS
n
 The stabilizing or enucleating devices occlude or touch a coronary
In our experience, we noticed that the causes for ischemia in OPCAB are vessel. This could be a deep pericardial stitch, anastomotic stabilizer
multifactorial. It all starts with the refinement of ischemia monitoring or apical positioner.
tools: from a single PVC to a quadrangular change in the wave form of the
pulmonary artery pressure. The worse the early warning sign, the more n
The shunt creates a gradient in the insufficiently stenosed coronary
difficult the response will be. The next element is the surgeon-anesthesia vessel, obstructs the inflow proximal or distally, or the shunt gives
interface that has to function cohesively to obtain an optimized response. selective perfusion into a distal bifurcation.

When ischemia is identified before the anastomotic interval then it is When ischemia is observed after the anastomotic interval, then the same
considered to be due to an imbalance between demand and conditioning. causes as before the anastomotic interval remain active but additional
This is most often due to: causes of supply become plausible:

n
The heart rate moving outside of physiological criteria, too fast or too slow
n
A
 graft or anastomosis malfunction is the most common possibility

n
The systolic perfusion pressures being outside of physiological criteria, too
n
Due to repositioning of the left ventricle, existing ischemia, which has
low and insufficient coronary perfusion and-or collateral flow, or too high been present before but not recognized due to the absence of the Triangle
and demanding too much heart work. The systolic pressure needs to be of Eindhoven, now becomes visible. Care must be taken when using cup-
related to the end diastolic pressure. A higher end-diastolic pressure will shaped apical positioners with fixed outer rims in order to prevent risk of
demand a higher perfusion pressure. pressing and occluding the LAD. When they are removed ischemia may
become apparent. In both of these last circumstances this ischemia will
n
Insufficient filling disappear rapidly, if not other causes should be sought. For this reason we
have moved away from using these types of positioners.
n
Inotropes given inappropriately. Work load will increase the oxygen demand
in a patient without revascularization. We therefore avoid inotropes as
much as possible.
n
Insufficient optimization of collateral flow or coronary perfusion, which can
be treated with nitroglycerine or magnesium

14
 EFFECTS OF ENUCLEATION
10.0 ANESTHESIA AND SURGERY:
CONCEPTS OF ENUCLEATION METHOD LEVERAGE HEMODYNAMICS VISIBILITY

The goal of a perfect enucleation is to allow a perfect anastomosis and to RETRO-CARDIAC

maintain the physiology of the heart or to be able to correct it in real-time. SPONGE/
PROSTHESIS + + + ANTERIOR
--- POSTERIOR

These goals need to be translated in a number of measurable objectives.

MEASUREABLE OBJECTIVES » VISIBILITY

CROSS-YOUR-
HEART TAPES +++ --- +++ ANTERIOR
++ POSTERIOR

ANASTOMOTIC
STABILIZATION OF THE VENTRICLE STABILIZER AS
ENUCLEATOR + + +
STABILIZATION OF THE
ANASTOMOTIC AREA APICAL

ELONGATION OF MYOFIBRILS
POSITIONER,
SUCTION CUP
(SC)
++ + ++
CHANGES IN MITRAL VALVE APICAL

++ ++ ++
PLATEAU POSITIONER,
SUCTION
SURFACE (SS)
PULMONARY PRESSURES AND WAVE
FORM
DEEP STITCH,
OUTSIDE 4
PVC, HEART RATE, CARDIAC
OUTPUT, ISCHEMIA
PULMONARY
VEINS + -- +
QUADRANT

We therefore need to monitor all these different measurable objectives

before we can accept an enucleation process. DEEP TAPE,
INSIDE 4

Several methods have been proposed but not all have monitored the
PULMONARY
VEINS +++ +++ ++
objectives or have been able to reach them. Often some of these methods QUADRANT
have been combined to correct or improve the consequences or the
performance. First we provide our subjective assessment of the effects of
DEEP TAPE IN
various enucleation methods, and then the description of a limited number
of the methods follows.
COMBINATION
WITH APICAL
POSITIONER (SS)
+++ +++ +++
The independent and the combined effect of an enucleating tool on leverage,
hemodynamics and visibility.
+++ very good, ++ good, + average,
--- totally inacceptable, -- inacceptable, - not good 15
10.1 THE ANASTOMOTIC STABILIZER n
A considerable non-physiological ventricular shape deformation is
created by this method (most pronounced by the second trajectory) with
METHOD compression of the left lateral wall. We have found this creates incomplete
An anastomotic stabilizer is used to enucleate and simultaneously stabilize filling and depressed contraction with a drop in cardiac output. These
the left ventricle as the anastomotic region. The arm of the stabilizer can negative changes may not be corrected using inotropes because this is a
take two different trajectories. In trajectory one the arm comes from the top physical effect.
with the tip of the stabilizer pointing downwards; in the second trajectory
the arm comes from the top and goes all the way towards the bottom of the VISIBILITY
pericardium, rotates down and upwards pushing on the left ventricle with the Visibility is acceptable, except to the more proximal portions of the coronary
tip of the stabilizer pointing upwards. vessels. It is nearly impossible to follow the tracts of the proximal coronaries
down into the left atrial-ventricular groove. In addition if the coronary vessel
LEVERAGE has an intra-myocardial tract, the exposure becomes very critical. Indeed for
The leverage is very inefficient in our experience when using a stabilizer for this situation, spreading of the stabilizer pods is necessary which may lead to
heart positioning. There is no support from the bottom (except maybe in that a reduction in stabilization.
second trajectory) and the only effect created is a right lateral displacement
of the left latero-posterior surface. In the second trajectory (toes up) the
space is taken by the arm in going downwards and rotating. This requires so
much space that the rightward displacement becomes massive and pushes
the ventricle towards and into the right chest cavity.

HEMODYNAMIC CONSEQUENCES
The torque of the heart is not controlled, so the heart has a tendency to
rotate out of the stabilizer. The negative suction of the stabilizer (between
-300 and -400-mmHg) does not compensate for this torque. Therefore
all stabilization can be lost in the middle of an anastomosis. This can be
somewhat corrected by deploying one pod of the anastomotic stabilizer and
creating a spoon shape, to support and control the lateral dislocation of the
left ventricle. It is obvious that now only one pod of the stabilizer is actually
stabilizing the anastomotic region.
n
There is no physical contact with the cardiac surface and its structures,
except by the pods of the anastomotic stabilizer.
n
PVCs are often observed due to the unstable stabilization.

n
The left ventricular axis is not elongated, so there is no deleterious effect
on the contracting myofibrils.
n
The left atrium-left ventricular axis is considerably disturbed with possible
consequences on the stability of the mitral valve plateau. Pulmonary artery
or left atrial pressure monitoring is strongly recommended.

16
10.2 THE APICAL POSITIONER compensate for this effect. The elongation cannot be monitored directly,
only indirectly.
METHOD
An alternative tool in the enucleation process is the apical positioner. This
n
PVCs are often a sign that the elongation of the left ventricle has reached
comes in two shapes: a suction cup (SC) with a circular predefined outer its maximum tolerance.
ring, and the other device with a three-appendage suction surface (SS) that n
T
 he suction cup, in our experience, has a somewhat better holding force,
adapts to the cardiac surface. The round suction cup with a pre-defined but the consequence is that the left ventricle is engulfed in the cup shape.
outer ring is placed directly on the apex. This is the only place where the cup A reduction of up to 8-10% in cardiac output is often observed using these
comfortably fits. The three-appendage apical positioner can adapt to flatter devices. The smaller the left ventricle (as in petite older females), the larger
surfaces, yet it is easier to apply to curved surfaces. It can theoretically be this effect.
placed on the apex, but is optimally placed on the left anterolateral surface of
the heart, just lateral to the LAD. The suction force on the apical positioners n
In the presence of very low ejection fractions where the lateral, posterior
differs and ranges from (-250) to (-400)-mmHg. This high negative force and inferior ventricular contractility is lost due to infarction, the effect of
is needed to maintain large ventricles in the suction zone if no additional engulfing the only contractile anterolateral surface in the cup can totally
method of support is used. A negative force of this dimension creates a destabilize the hemodynamic condition.
risk of hematoma, even rupture, in the presence of exaggerated traction
or of ventricular structures in older patients or in patients with reduced n
It is theoretically possible to place that cup on another cardiac surface but
connective tissue (steroid therapy). In later sections, we will show it has this is not very easy with the predefined outer ring (much easier with the
been possible to reduce this negative pressure to (-200)-mmHg with either three-suction surfaces). Any sign that could be attributed to ischemia, even
suction device. a single PVC, should lead to questioning the possible negative effects of the
apical suction device and require the immediate repositioning or removal of
LEVERAGE this device. If ischemia has been caused it should disappear within seconds
The leverage obtained with either device is rather good since the longitudinal after removal. Likewise with the use of the tri-appendage apical positioner,
axis of the left ventricle can be changed from a left lateral axis to an axis there is a similar risk of suctioning on top of an anatomical variant with a
pointing completely upwards. very large diagonal vessel running all the way to the apex. This will need to
be identified preoperatively during the reading of the coronary angiogram.
HEMODYNAMIC CONSEQUENCES
n
T
 he weight of the heart should be supported by some system or device,
n
The hemodynamic consequences as an isolated approach can be
and should not remain on the base of the mediastinum and flipped upwards.
considerable. They are due to the local effect of the suction and the
longitudinal traction on the myofibrils.
VISIBILITY
n
The left atrial-ventricular axis is distorted since this enucleation method The visibility of the more proximal vessels on the left lateral and posterior
has no effect on the left atrium. In consequence, pulmonary artery or left surface, where they come out of the coronary sinus, is very reduced, since
atrial pressure monitoring is strongly recommended. there is no elevation of the basis of the left ventricle. The middle and distal
sections of these coronary vessels are very visible. This visibility is enhanced
n
A left ventricle, in our experience, enucleated only by an apical positioning
device and not by any bottom-supportive device, loses up to 15 to 20% by the elongation (not exceeding the normal) of the shape of the left ventricle
of its relaxation and contractility, due to elongation of the myofibrils. This increasing the anastomotic airspace. The air space for the enucleated lateral
was recreated in our own sheep study. This effect may not be apparent in wall is the space between the cardiac ventricular surface and the retractor or
the presence of normal or moderately reduced ventricular functions but pericardium.
may have major consequences in the presence of low ejection fractions.
Since this effect is induced by physical force, no medication will be able to

17
 10.3 THE DEEP PERICARDIAL STITCH/TAPE

METHOD
Several teams use one form of “deep stitch” but considerable variability
exists in the type of stitch/tape and positioning of the anchor.
There is a material variability of the pericardial anchor. It is possible to use
sutures or slings: a suture point is anchored (tied or not) deep in the posterior
mediastinum or a tape is transformed into a two-pronged shape, then fixed
by a tourniquet or a ligature at an anchor point. If a tourniquet is used then
this must be a very long and stiff tourniquet (such as a tracheal suction tube),
allowing the Kocher-instrument that closes the tourniquet to be positioned
outside of the chest.
The leverage effect with the suture is obtained by elevating the posterior
mediastinum. It is possible that the suture causes friction and trauma on the
left ventricular wall. The leverage effect of the tape is obtained by letting the
DISPLACEMENT FOR THE OM posterior mediastinum in place but by having the heart in a cradle composed
of the two prongs of the tape. When the tape is used the mass of the
ventricle will be maintained carefully between the two branches of the tape
during the enucleation process. The two branches will be separated from one
another to allow this positioning and will follow-up the enucleation effect
towards inferior or superior, as needed.
The positional variability of the pericardial anchor(s) often was not driven
by strict three-dimensional and pressure monitoring of the anatomical
structures of the heart. It was driven more by the easy visibility on the
posterior mediastinum. A two- or a three-hand maneuver will create
different access to the posterior mediastinum.
The right hand takes the ventricle out of the pericardial cavity and the
left hand takes the enucleated heart, thereby liberating the right hand for
suturing. In this two-hand enucleation of the left ventricle with the left
hand of the surgeon, the posterior pericardium lateral and inferior to both
left pulmonary veins is exposed and one or several stitches are placed
(sometimes tied) starting laterally of the left pulmonary vein to adjacent of
DISPLACEMENT FOR THE PDA the inferior caval vein. The intention is to pull the posterior pericardium, fixed
to the posterior mediastinum, upwards and the heart, placed in this posterior
pericardium as in a cradle, moves upwards out of its normal axis. The axial
movement of the ventricle is not controlled and will vary according to shape
and size of the left ventricle.

18
A three-hand maneuver increases visibility on the posterior mediastinum. preserved and the ventricular axis points upwards. The leverage is so perfect
The left hand of the surgeon enucleates the heart and passes it to the right that a new issue can arise. Indeed this ventricular axis is not stable, except in
hand. This right hand is placed on the inferior surface of the left ventricle and the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy. This instability of the ventricular
avoids the gliding of the ventricle away from the hand with a small sponge axis issue needs to be addressed as it can create PVCs.
between the hand and the ventricle. The left hand of the surgeon comes
again in the surgical field and moves as far in as possible, between the left VISIBILITY
and right inferior pulmonary veins with one (for small ventricles) and up to The deep stitches placed outside of the pulmonary vein quadrant elevated
three fingers. This maneuver enucleates the ventricle completely but also the heart only partially since they only bring the pericardial cradle upwards
lifts the left atrium upwards; the further the finger(s) the better this effect. for the few centimeters or inches that the posterior pericardium allows.
The surgeon now has visibility of the complete posterior mediastinum inside Additional methods, in combination with the heart positioner, are often used
as outside of the square formed by the four pulmonary veins. This complete to obtain additional visibility or the anastomosis is performed under very
zone can now be used for placement of the deep stitches. In the three-hand reduced visibility.
maneuver only tapes are used. The intention is to anchor a single two-
pronged tape as high up as possible under the left atrium and between the If the deep stitch is placed within the quadrant and if a tape is used, a perfect
two superior pulmonary veins, the higher the better the leverage. visibility is obtained. The visibility is suboptimal in the presence of severe left
The surgeon must understand the three-dimensional nature of the regional ventricular hypertrophy as in any previously cited method, due to reduced
anatomy in having the esophagus right under the posterior mediastinum. anastomotic airspace.
The anchor stitch of the tourniquet must take sufficient width but very
shallow depth. The deep stitches/tape, anchored within the quadrant,
will leverage the left atrium and the left ventricle in one block and maintain
the atrial-ventricular axis. The cradle of the tape will further enhance this
leverage.

HEMODYNAMIC CONSEQUENCES
The hemodynamic consequences will vary according to the position and
material variability of the anchor stitch(es). All anchor points not placed
under the left atrium and therefore outside of the space defined by the
four pulmonary veins, distorts the linear atrial-ventricular axis and possibly
the mitral valve plateau. This distortion can create or increase mitral valve
incompetence and overload the pulmonary volume. Extensive displacement
towards or inside the right chest cavity creates torsion and strangulation of
the inferior and superior caval veins. The hemodynamic effect will be the loss
of filling, resulting in electrical instability and possible premature ventricular
contractions to ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (PVC to VF/VT)
and hemodynamic instability (loss of output). CARDIAC SLING AND APICAL POSITIONER ENUCLEATION
If the anchor stitch is placed within this pulmonary vein quadrant then a
perfect enucleation can be obtained repeatedly without any hemodynamic
effect. By lifting the atrium, the size of the left atrium increases and the
pressure generated by the same amount of blood in the left atrium will
decrease. If this process is done slowly then the changes in filling will have
minimal effect. The basis of the heart is elevated, the atrial-ventricular axis is

19
11.0 A
 NESTHESIA AND SURGERY: STEPS FOR ANESTHESIA AND SURGERY
A COMBINATION OF WHEN ENUCLEATING THE HEART
ENUCLEATING METHODS STEP 1
Interface with anesthesia and request permission to start the first step of the
It becomes evident that a strict process of enucleation is required to process. The conditioning of the patient should be perfect, including filling of
consistently achieve optimal hemodynamics, visibility and stabilization. the heart, absence of ischemia and physiologic values for ions.
Using a combination of methods has allowed junior and senior surgeons,
including anesthesiologists to encounter consistent parameters as
described. STEP 2
Have a small sponge in the right hand. Place the left hand in the chest and
The first element needed is a perfect enucleation or leverage effect without take the ventricle out of its pocket. Pass the ventricle from the left hand to
effect on the atrialventricular axis. This is obtained with a deep tape placed the right hand and maintain the heart using a small sponge to avoid slipping.
within the pulmonary quadrant. So this element will be the essence of the Scoop the left atrium by inserting from the inferior side towards cranially one
method. One limitation of this method is the axial instability — certainly or several fingers under the left atrium and as far as possible and lift the left
in the presence of very elongated ventricles. A second limitation is the atrium upwards. Make sure not to squeeze the heart under the left forearm.
reduced airspace in the presence of severe left ventricular hypertrophy. Both If the heart is not allowed to fill, then it will not eject. Practice this maneuver
limitations are solved by adding a tri-appendage apical positioner, placed on having the aorta cannulated.
the anterolateral area, immediately adjacent to the LAD and avoiding the
diagonal vessels. The limitation of the apical positioner was the high suction STEP 3
force when used as a standalone method. Since the ventricle is already Place a 3-0 100-cm long polypropylene suture in the pulmonary quadrant,
enucleated and supported, the apical positioner will only demand a minimal as high up as possible and be aware of the route of the esophagus. Do not
suction force, approximately (-200)-mmHg. use the inflow pulmonary veins; their structure is not solid enough. Bring
the needle out the chest and return the heart to its physiologic position.
From the first touch of the heart to the return, only 5 to 7 seconds should
be needed. Allow the hemodynamics to return to normal. With minimal
experience this can be done without any reduction of filling and ejection.
THE APICAL POSITIONER » WILL NOT BE USED IN THE PRESENCE
OF A VERY SMALL VENTRICLE
STEP 4
Place a long and stiff tourniquet around the previously inserted 3-0 suture
WILL NOT BE USED WHEN ONLY THE and place a long and wet sponge through the open eye of the tourniquet
ANTERIOR ZONE OF THE HEART IS then divide it into two equal lengths of sponge thus creating a two-armed
BEING GRAFTED
structure, which will become the sling.

WILL NOT BE PLACED ON A LARGE STEP 5

DIAGONAL OF THE LAD RUNNING IN Interface again with anesthesia and request permission for the second
THE LANDING ZONE maneuver. Use the left hand to displace the left ventricle and use a solid
forceps in the right hand to push the sponge down in the open space all the
way down to the anchor point. The first assistant or nurse follows downwards
with the tourniquet and affixes it with a solid forceps. Place one prong of the
sponge more upwards and one more downwards. The surgeon returns the
heart to its physiologic position. This maneuver should take less than 3 to 4
seconds. Allow the hemodynamics to return to normal.

20
STEP 6 The positioner is placed in the left zone lateral to the LAD with two appendages
Interface for a third time with anesthesia and agree on starting the pointing towards and the third away from the LAD. The LAD is avoided as
enucleation process. The anesthesiologist monitors the systems as well as is the diaphragmatic surface of the right ventricle, because the suction will
the surgical field. The surgeon monitors only the surgical field. disconnect at the first manipulation of the positioner. When mobilizing the axis
of the left ventricle, it is important to maintain the longitudinal axis and not just
The two prongs should be separated around 4-cm from one another and the displacing the actual apex.
mass of the left ventricle around halfway in between. If the distance between
the prongs is too close the ventricle will slide one way or the other; if it is too At this moment, inspection can be done of the anatomy and the surgical
wide the ventricle will not enucleate. strategy is finalized, avoiding simultaneous exposure of all the lateral,
posterior and inferior vessels. This is not mandatory and will be difficult in the
STEP 7 presence of severe left ventricular hypertrophy.
Very slowly elevate and pull the two prongs towards the left side of the chest,
with the intention of giving as much space as possible for the left ventricle to STEP 9
enucleate. The heart is slowly elevated and the prongs repeatedly adjusted The anastomotic stabilizer is now fixed to the retractor. The position on
in function of the pathway followed by the left ventricle to maintain optimal the retractor depends on the anastomotic target. For all targets from the
control. Not a single PVC should be observed. The anesthesiologist is given first lateral coronary vessel to the second lateral branch of the circumflex
time to respond to the changes in filling by elevating the legs. Trendelenburg vessel, the stabilizer is fixed at the most inferior part of the right arm of the
is avoided by all means. If needed, additional volume or selective sternal retractor. For all targets beyond the second lateral up to the posterior
vasoconstrictors are given. The whole process can demand a few minutes descending coronary vessel, it is preferable to fix the stabilizer on the
and should result in a full erectile left ventricular axis. superior part of the left arm of the sternal retractor. Otherwise the pod of the
stabilizer comes into the airspace needed for viewing the anastomotic area.
STEP 8 The pod of the stabilizer will always point downwards towards the posterior
If the ventricular shape is rather oblong, it is possible to observe an axial mediastinum.
instability of the erectile left ventricle. This can create PVCs and even have
minor hemodynamic consequences. If the ventricular shape is round, the STEP 10
airspace between the left ventricular wall and the retractor is minimal and In the presence of severe left ventricular hypertrophy, the airspace is often
sometimes even absent. Both of these issues are solved by placing a very reduced. It is possible to increase this airspace by transforming the
tri-surface apical positioner. In fact we use an apical positioner in nearly two pods of the stabilizer into a spoon shape, by creating a linear curvature
all cases to facilitate the procedure. and bending them inwards. They will further enucleate and control the
anastomotic region. The most distal portion of the arm of the stabilizer
The apical positioner is placed on the right arm of the sternal retractor and as should not touch the cardiac surface. This is obtained by adding a small
high as possible. The negative suction needed to control the movements of angulation of the pods.
the heart can be reduced from the proposed (-400)-mmHg (as in some apical
positioners) to (-200)-mmHg, because the ventricle is completely supported An anastomosis on the posterior descending artery will demand a different
from the bottom up. If too much elevation tension is applied, the positioner transformation of the anastomotic stabilizer. Indeed the diaphragmatic
will disconnect before it creates any trauma. surface is flat and therefore the two pods of the anastomotic stabilizer will be
returned to their original shape before stabilizing.

21
 12.0 S
 URGERY:
ANASTOMOTIC ISSUES
ANASTOMOSES IN REDUCED AIRSPACE
Anastomoses in reduced airspace demand a very rigorous training and
preparation. If possible the coronary vessel is aligned in the line of vision
of the surgeon. This allows very good visibility on both sides of the grafted
vessel, reducing the chances of inversion.

Traditional anastomotic techniques use a parachuted approach. In this

approach the graft and the host are held at a distance of a few centimeters
apart and stitches are placed alternatively through the vessel walls of the
graft and the host. This distance between graft and host is technically less
demanding in needle manipulation technique. After a few stitches both of
these structures are approximated. Sometimes a knot is made at the start of
an anastomosis to fix the most distant point.
PLACING THE DEEP PERICARDIAL STITCH AND TAPE
Within a space of 1 to 2-cm it becomes very difficult to perform this
parachuted technique and even more to start with a knot. The fingers that
bring the knot down occlude all vision on the anastomotic site. In addition to
the technical difficulty in a much reduced airspace, the parachuted technique
might be inferior due to its potential “sawing” effect when approximating the
graft to the coronary arteriotomy.

The most important element is the most distant heel of the anastomosis. A
leakage is very difficult to repair without deforming the heel. Therefore we
start with a very small U- or π-type stitch. Immediately thereafter the graft
and host are approximated. The stitches are then placed without separating
both components, making sure to address the walls in a perpendicular
fashion and of course always from the inside towards the outside on the
grafted vessel.

This method demands superior training in small space needle manipulation

and rotation. This is trained extensively in low-fidelity simulation following a
very strict curriculum of deconstructed movements and further facilitated
MALLEABLE PODS
by using 8-0 suture and needles of 6-mm length.

22
ANASTOMOSES TO THE PROXIMAL RIGHT THE ANASTOMOSIS TO AN INTRAMURAL
CORONARY ARTERY OR INTRASEPTAL ARTERY
Coronary surgery to the proximal right has been the subject of considerable The anastomosis on the intraseptal pathway of the LAD on the moving and
discussion and technical variability. In this section we will only discuss the working heart is considered by many as pure hallucination. There is no magic
elements appropriate to the OPCAB approach. It is understood at the start or an exceptional demand of skills, but only a deconstruction of each step.
that there is a severe stenosis or occlusion of the RCA.
STEP 1
A number of components come into the technical equation. The right Study in depth the angiogram of the LAD and its side branches.
coronary vessel is often a very diffusely diseased vessel, with an internal
diameter up to and sometimes greater than 3-mm. The right coronary artery STEP 2
perfuses a large part of the right and sometimes left ventricular muscular Identify on the patient anatomical identification points and determine the
mass. level of stenosis, for as far as possible.

Temporary occlusion of the right coronary vessel can lead to complete STEP 3
atrioventricular block. For this reason a number of additional precautions and Stabilize the region with a widened stabilizer and try having the LAD in the
strict monitoring protocols are taken when the OPCAB approach requires middle of the stabilizer, usually with the arm coming from the abdominal
a proximal right coronary anastomosis. We normally perform the proximal region.
right anastomosis after grafting all other regions.
STEP 4
The anastomosis is often easier and with more visibility when performed Use a 15-blade knife and start feeling the exact position of the septal region
from the left side of the patient. The suspension of the left pericardium is by having a lateral movement of the knife over the epicardial surface.
removed, this removal rotates the ventricle somewhat towards to the left
side of the chest. This rotation is further enhanced by suspending inferior STEP 5
and superior right-sided pericardium. The stabilizer is often placed on the left Incise the epicardium according to the angiogram and above the position of
arm of the sternal retractor and points upwards or downwards according to the septum, over a distance of 2 to 3-cm and a depth of 3 to 4-mm.
the anastomotic site on the RCA. One pod of the stabilizer will be placed
on the atrial wall and one pod on the right ventricular surface. STEP 6
Stabilize the region even more by bringing in an eyelid retractor with sharp
The conduction safety is improved by the placement before the start of this points. This eyelid retractor has its joint towards the head of the patient
anastomosis of atrioventricular pacing wires and their testing. The ischemic (most frequently) and his branches bring in stability by spreading the septum
safety is improved by placing the anastomosis at the end of the sequence and trying to find stability under the suction pods.
when all other vessels have been grafted and opened. Shunting is strongly
recommended (even in an occluded RCA) and therefore all the shunt sizes up STEP 7
to the largest caliber should be available in the operating theatre, including Continue the dissection by moving the 15-blade knife over the surface of the
the 3-mm shunt. septum and gradually go deeper and deeper.

The quality of the RCA vessel wall is often only visible after full stabilization and
exploration. Therefore the deep stitch with the tourniquet (not the sponge)
is left in place, because it could be that further exploration more distal on the
RCA becomes mandatory, sometimes even demanding an anastomosis on
the posterior descending artery. Maintaining the deep stitch and tourniquet
facilitates the repeated exposure of the inferior surface of the heart.

23
STEP 8
Try to keep a meticulous dry field.

STEP 9
Through gradual dissection one will start feeling the LAD or see part of
it. The dissection is continued using visual recognition. Notice the rather
complex stabilization of the whole area.

STEP 10
When perfect stabilization and visualization is obtained, then we can proceed
with the incision. No controlling suture is placed proximally or distally since it
is impossible to know if the vessels dive deeper into the septum or not.

STEP 11
The first assistant uses a very small dot-type sponge to control the LAD by
pushing on the vessel proximally.
REDUCED AIRSPACE
STEP 12
Incise the LAD 2-mm above the area where it is visible and make a 2-mm cut
upwards with a cataract-type knife.

STEP 13
Incise the LAD upwards with a Potts scissor to obtain an appropriate incision
length of 6 to 7-mm.

STEP 14
Place a rather large shunt upwards as far as possible. Usually at least 2-mm or
more in shunt size. When the shunt is completely inserted, pull on the thread
and keep the tip inwards of the coronary vessel in the downwards movement.

STEP 15
If insufficient hemostasis is obtained, go immediately for a larger shunt.
Do not try to make an anastomosis in the septum with a leaking shunt.

STEP 16
Proceed with the anastomosis. Remember that a smaller needle has a smaller
rotating arc and is therefore easier to use.

24
13.0 A MULTIFACTORIAL APPROACH 3. Additional steps were needed, beyond just using an OPCAB approach;
therefore we were able to reduce the prevalence of stroke to an extremely
TO AVOID STROKE rare event in thousands of patients.

Stroke is a dramatic complication, annihilating through the loss of quality of These steps were focused on:
life, the possible benefit of surgery.
n
The atherosclerotic disease of the aorta and carotid arteries
Stroke as pathology is strongly associated with coronary artery disease. n
The consequences of new onset of atrial fibrillation
Therefore the coronary artery bypass patient is at risk for stroke during his
complete further life. This risk increases gradually with the increase of We therefore decided to take a full-frontal attack towards stroke reduction
the interval after surgery. However, the highest risk of stroke in the life of a by using a multifactorial approach.
patient with coronary artery disease is around surgery, more precisely the
first 15 days after time 0, the start of surgery.13

We had been monitoring stroke very strictly since 1971 and observed an
annual rate of around 1.5%, after a thorough neurological investigation of
every single patient who had any neurological symptom as well during the
surgical stay as during follow-up.
Our efforts to reduce stroke were focused on the following:

No more partial clamping of the aorta for cannulation and de-cannulation,
ISOLATED CABG13
n

as long as we were using extracorporeal circulation.

(excl acute same day infarcts)
n
Strict avoidance of partial and total clamping in the presence of aortic
pathology, as identified on the coronary angiogram or during preoperative 0.007
On-pump
TEE (routine observations in all patients).
0.006

HAZARD FUNCTION FOR STROKE

n
A gradual decrease of partial aortic clamping in all patients through Off-pump
extensive sequential grafting. 0.005

These steps maintained our hazard of stroke around the 1.5% rate for the 0.004
first 15 days, even with the increase of the risk variability as in older patients
with more cerebrovascular disease. At the start of our OPCAB experience 0.003
in 1997, we continued to partially clamp the aorta and hoped to annihilate
stroke. After 3200 consecutive OPCAB patients, we observed the following 0.002
elements (Figure to right):
0.001
1. The stroke rate had halved, just by going from on-pump to OPCAB mode. It
now reached 0.7%.
0.000
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2. The hazard function indicated a much lower prevalence in the first 2 days
but a constant “noise” of risk extending for several days. DAY AFTER SURGERY

25
MULTIFACTORAL STEPS TO AVOIDING STROKE CLOSING THOUGHT
STEP 1 This Procedure Guide and its special section Implementing OPCAB, have
Avoid by any means all contact with the aorta through the OPCAB mode and endeavored to capture the countless contributions from all of those who
extensive (preferentially arterial) sequential grafting. have shared in this journey of going from on-pump to a fully standardized
OPCAB process. We hope you found this effort to be inclusive and
STEP 2 informational — and to benefit of your patients.
Reduce the combined CABG-carotid surgery to the patients with real
neurological instability (very rare); increase the mean pressure of the patient
in the patients with occluded or severely stenosed internal carotid arteries.

STEP 3
Create the most stable possible hemodynamic situation during OPCAB
surgery, with strict avoidance of even PVCs and very slow manipulation of
all cardiac displacements. Communicate with anesthesia and annihilate the
need for conversion.

STEP 4
Protect the patient during his complete period of hyper-coagulopathy
(the first 5 to 7 days) with therapeutic levels of anti-aggregation.

STEP 5
Protect the patient with therapeutic levels of anti-aggregation during the
complete hazard phase of atrial fibrillation (up to day 7 at least); prolong this
interval if atrial fibrillation has happened during the early phase; even ligate
(if needed) every left atrial appendage. Our experience in several thousand
consecutive patients, even with lower ejection fraction, has not shown any
negative consequences on cardiac output or volume control.

26
IMPLEMENTING
OPCAB ­—
UNDERSTANDING
THE ISSUES
AND LEARNING
CURVE

Medtronic and Professor Paul Sergeant recognize that the learning

and performance of OPCAB procedures vary. This special section
represents the experience of Prof. Paul Sergeant. Medtronic does
not endorse a single method of education or performance of OPCAB,
however Medtronic appreciates the author’s vast experience in this
area of cardiac surgery, including: research, peer reviewed publications,
training and clinical experience in the expertise of CABG and OPCAB,
for over 30 years.
27
I MPLEMENTING OPCAB — EVIDENCE ISSUE
UNDERSTANDING THE Evidence on OPCAB surgery has been very confusing. The data
ISSUES AND LEARNING CURVE originating from experienced centers seemed always more
convincing versus those coming from lesser experienced ones.
The core issue has been that OPCAB was never proposed as a
GENERIC ISSUE strict set of rules, procedures and training process. OPCAB was
Success or failure of the implementation of a new technology, perceived as a menu wherein components could be chosen and
such as OPCAB, is based on many interaction drivers. deleted at will. This precluded that multi-center randomized
control trials and meta-analyses were combining different
concepts with different levels of safety monitoring, different
SUCCESS OR FAILURE » COMPLETENESS OF CONCEPT anticoagulation and stabilization protocols, different levels
of training, implementation and experience. It is obvious that
APPROPRIATE LEARNING PROCESS
evidence generated in such an environment would and always
will be unstable.
ENABLING MATERIAL PROVIDED
COMPLETENESS OF REVASCULARIZATION ISSUE
ONE-TIME OR CONTINUED PROCTORING Completeness of revascularization is a concept that has changed
over time with a better understanding of competition of flow
AUDITING PROCESS with the primary circulation and with other grafts. The degree of
stenosis can now be measured in dynamic functional numerical
TECHNOLOGICAL PUSH AND PULL terms versus previous visual two-dimensional estimation
techniques. The completeness of revascularization should not
REAL WORLD EVENTS be dependent upon the surgical approach. The observations
made in several OPCAB studies of this variability in completeness
EVIDENCE should therefore only be based on incomplete concepts, training
or experience.14
EFFORTS OR BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING

ORGANIZATION AND THE SAFETY COCOON

28
THE LEARNING CURVE ISSUE (I) THE LEARNING CURVE ISSUE (II)
The prevalence of learning curves is often cited as the cause of failure for new A second possible shape shows, from day one, first a decrease in
approaches or procedures. However, learning curves take different shapes. performance from the previous level, followed by a gradual increase of
performance to a higher level versus the starting level. This shape of learning
A first possible shape is the abrupt increase of the performance, from curve is the most common. From a medical ethics perspective this learning
day one, from the previous level of performance up to the new level of curve shape is not acceptable for the surgeon’s first OPCAB patients.
performance. This is possible but will demand massive preparation and
simulation training, possible but an atypical reality in the medical Profession.

PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE

NEW LEVEL NEW LEVEL

OLD LEVEL OLD LEVEL

TIME TIME

29
THE LEARNING CURVE ISSUE (III) procedure: anesthesia, surgery, perfusion and nursing. The concept of work
The acceptable learning curve for the patient is a third shape, where from should also include all the possible tactical decisions in the presence of
day one a gradual increase of performance is observed. The science of observations including the conversion and beyond. An optimal approach to
learning has defined that this curve can only be obtained in the presence of OPCAB implementation involves the collegial interaction with interventional
an optimal conceptual and operational learning process. Such a curve is often cardiology from the very beginning. Their understanding of changes of
asymptotic in shape. The objectives of this document are to obtain this last surgical strategy will optimize the differential therapeutic approach for the
learning curve in the implementation process. patient.

THE OPERATIONAL LEARNING ISSUE

The start of any quality circle is the availability of center-specific parameters
that demonstrate completeness of revascularization.
PERFORMANCE
The next step is the formal debriefing of the procedure by the core players
anesthesia, surgery, perfusion and nursing staffs, followed by the data
registration of the same parameters on the OPCAB patients. All this
NEW LEVEL
precedes the closure of the quality control circle. This operational learning
makes the OPCAB therapeutic option sustainable in real practice.

PARAMETERS TO MEASURE » ON-PUMP CABG CASES

ENZYMATIC RELEASE
OLD LEVEL

INCIDENCE OF STROKE

ICU

TIME LENGTH OF HOSPITAL STAY

3-MONTH DATA

LATE OUTCOME DATA

THE CONCEPTUAL LEARNING ISSUE
Operational learning is always preceded by conceptual learning. Conceptual
learning mandates the formal creational process, by the team players, of
a concept of work: a very detailed, complete and stepwise description of
patient selection, materials, processes and interfaces during the OPCAB
procedure. This can be based on existing concepts but it needs to be
created by the team. The team consists of the four major players in this
30
THE CONVERSION ISSUE
The essence of the implementation of a new technology is the absence of
the obligation to return to the previous technology, certainly if this return is
associated with an increase in risk or cost (patient, hospital, insurance) as in
OPCAB. The published conversion rates in OPCAB vary from 2 to 30%.14

We consider every conversion a failure of either concept or of application

of this concept. Every conversion should be debriefed and should lead to an
improvement of the concept or to an enforcement of the implementation
process.

The definitions for conversions, in clinical literature, are most frequently not
given or vary.14 A conversion is identified only if a procedure has already
started, unless the procedure is performed in an intention-to-treat study
environment. Again, in OPCAB, this could mean after the start of anesthesia,
after the sternotomy, after opening the pericardium or after the start of the
anastomotic interval. In its strictest definition, any change of strategy, after
the start of the first anastomosis and before the end of the last anastomosis,
is most certainly a conversion. In this strictest definition it is essential for a
successful implementation to have an improved conversion rate versus the
previous method.

SOLVING THE LEARNING EQUATION

As stated before, the negative learning curve in the implementation process
can be avoided through the creation of a strict concept and crew resource
management, but more will be needed from the surgeon. An anastomosis in
an angulated and reduced airspace with a moving target demands different
anastomotic techniques and different surgical skills. These skills may be
learned in low-fidelity simulators until a repeatable perfect Objective
Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) -based score is obtained.
Many teams, in my observation, have only implemented an OPCAB approach
for single vessel revascularization on the anterior wall or for multi-vessel
revascularization in the presence of calcified aortas or of considerable
co-morbidity.

31
For more information, contact your local Medtronic Products Representative.
U.S. Customer Service: (800) 328-1357.

References
1. de Oliveria PPM, Braile MD, Vieira RW. Hemodynamic disorders related to beating heart surgery using cardiac stabilizers: experimental study.
Rev Bras Cir Cardiovasc. 2007; 22(4): 407-415.
2.  Houlind K, Juul Kjeldsen B, Nørgaard Madsen S, et al, and the DOORS Study Group. The impact of avoiding cardiopulmonary by-pass during coronary
artery bypass surgery in elderly patients: the Danish on-pump off-pump randomization study (DOORS). Trials. 2009; 10:47 1745-6215.
3.  Windecker S, Philippe K, Fernando A, Philippe Collet J, Cremer J, Volkmar F, ESC/EACTS guidelines on myocardial revascularization.
Eur Heart J. 2014:1-100.
4. Myles, PS. Prevention of awareness during anesthesia. Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology. 2007; 21:3 345-355.
5.  Mathews HML, Furness G, Carson IW, Orr IA, Lyons SM, Clarke RSJ. Comparison of sufentanil-oxygen and fentanyl-oxygen anaesthesia for coronary
artery bypass grafting. Br. J. Anaesth.1988; 60:530-535.
6.  Howie MB, Smith DF, Reilley TE, McSweeney TD, Silver M, Dasta JF, Reitz J. Postoperative course after sufentanil or sentanyl anesthesia for
coronary artery Surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 1991; 5:5, 485-489.
7.  Sanford TJ Jr, Smith NT, Dec-Silver H, CRTT, Harrison WK. Comparison of morphine, fentanyl, and sufentanil anesthesia for cardiac surgery:
induction, emergence, and extubation. Anesth Analg. 1986; 65:259-66.
8. Mangano DT, Siliciano D, Hollenberg M, Leung J, Browner WS, Goehner P et al. Postoperative myocardial ischemia therapeutic trials using intensive
analgesia following surgery. Anesthesiology. 1992; 76:342-353.
9.  Slogoff S, Keats AS. Randomized trial of primary anesthetic agents on outcome of coronary artery bypass operations. Anesthesiology.
1989; 70:179-188.
10. Tuman KJ, McCarthy RJ, Spiess BD, DaValle M, Dabir R, Ivankovich A. Does choice of anesthetic agent significantly affect outcome after coronary
artery surgery? Anesthesiology. 1989; 70:189-198.
11. G  rüenenfelder J, Combr M, Lachat M, Leskose B, Turina M, Zünd G. Validation of intracoronary shunt flow measurements for off-pump coronary
artery bypass operations. Heart Surg Forum Journal. 2003: 9002: E8-E11.
12. G  erosa G, Bottio T, Valente M, Thiene G, Casarotto D. Intracoronary artery shunt: an assessment of possible coronary artery wall damage.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2003:1160-1162.
13. Sergeant P, Wouters P, Meyns B, et al. OPCAB versus early mortality and morbidity: an issue between clinical relevance and statistical significance.
Eur J Cardio Thorac. 2004; 25:779-785.
14. M  øller CH, Penninga L, Wetterslev J, Steinbrüchel DA, Gluud C. Cochrane Review. Off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for
ischaemic heart disease (Review). 2012; (3).
15. Hopper AN, Jamison MH, Lewis WG. Learning curves in surgical practice. Postgrad Med J. 2007; 83:777–779.

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