Off Pump Coronary Artery Bypass in patients with severe LV dys-function. Is it really more challenging?

Abstract

CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting) has been the treatment of choice for coronary artery disease for over 50 years and is the most common cardiac surgery procedure performed. Traditionally CABG was performed with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and the use of cardioplegia to allow the surgeon to operate on a stable field. In the mid-1990s, interest emerged in performing CABG without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass - off pump CABG. This invited commentary focuses on sharing our experience with Low Ejection fraction off-pump CABG and why this approach could be beneficial to this patient population.