The higher incidence of C. pneumoniae and H. pylori DNA in atherosclerotic plaques suggests that these microorganisms may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherogenesis.

In conclusion, this study has shown that endotoxemia during coronary artery bypass surgery seems mainly to be associated with cardiopulmonary bypass procedure. The relatively lower endotoxin levels observed in off-pump surgery might contribute to improved postoperative recovery.

Pulmonary functions and arterial blood gases were not improved in off-pump patients when compared with on-pump patients. Patients going to be surgically revascularized should not be altered to off-pump surgery merely with the hope of improving respiratory functions with off-pump technique. As the postoperative stay times at surgical theatre and hospital is not different and the extubation times were similar, early discharge of patients with off-pump surgery cannot be related merely to better preservation of respiratory functions.

It is safe to remove the chest tubes as soon as the macroscopic appearance of the drainage fluid turns to serosanguineous since this practically indicates cessation of active bleeding.