Combination anticoagulation strategy in pregnancy with mechanical valves: The KYBELE study.

BACKGROUND: Optimal first-trimester anticoagulation is still challenging in pregnant women with mechanical heart valves (MHVs) requiring high-dose warfarin. This multicenter prospective study aims to determine the optimal anticoagulation regimens for pregnant patients with MHVs. METHODS: All women were allocated to one of three treatment options during first trimester including lone low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), combination of LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin, and LMWH+4 mg warfarin. Primary maternal outcome included a combination of death, thromboembolism, severe bleeding, and need for treatment of mechanical valve thrombosis (MVT). Any fetal loss was determined as primary fetal outcome. RESULTS: The study included 78 pregnancies in 65 women with MHVs. Primary maternal outcome rate was 44%, 12.5%, 3.5%, respectively. The rates of primary maternal outcome (44 vs 3.5%, P < .001), obstructive MVT (16 vs 0%, P = .04), MVT requiring treatment (28 vs 0%, P = .003), and cerebral embolism (24 vs 3.4%, P = .041) were found to be significantly higher in lone LMWH group compared to LMWH + 4 mg warfarin group. Moreover, the rates of primary maternal outcome (12.5 vs 44%, P = .015) and treatment for MHV thrombus (4.2 vs 28%, P = .049) were significantly lower in LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin group compared to lone LMWH group. The incidences of fetal loss were 8 (32%) in the lone LMWH group, 8 (33.3%) in LMWH + 2.5 mg warfarin group, and 11 (37.9%) in LMWH + 4 mg warfarin group (P = .890 for 3-group).Warfarin related-embryopathy was not observed in any case. CONCLUSIONS: The combined anticoagulation strategy of LMWH plus low-dose warfarin during the first trimester of pregnancy may result in less maternal complications with comparable fetal outcomes in patients with MHVs. CONDENSED ABSTRACT: Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is thought to be safer for the fetus, however it is suspected to be less protective for the mother. To solve this dilemma, the authors suggested a novel anticoagulation strategy in pregnant women with prosthetic valves. Seventy-eight pregnancies of 65 women (median age 32 [27-35] years) were included in the study. A combination of LMWH and a reduced dose warfarin were associated with low rates of thrombus-related complications in pregnant patients with mechanical heart valves.

Management of massive pulmonary hemorrhage following pulmonary endarterectomy.

Massive pulmonary hemorrhage is a potentially fatal complication of pulmonary endarterectomy. We describe a successful management in which the patient's right lower lobe bronchus was occluded with a Fogarty balloon catheter while on peripheral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Levosimendan improves renal outcome in cardiac surgery: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of levosimendan on renal function in patients with low ejection fraction undergoing mitral valve surgery was investigated. DESIGN: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary teaching and research hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Of a total of 147 patients, 128 patients completed the study. In the levosimendan group (n = 64), levosimendan was administered in addition to standard inotropic support; whereas, in the control group (n = 64), only standard inotropic support was given. INTERVENTIONS: In the levosimendan group, a loading dose of levosimendan (6 µg/kg) was administered after removal of the aortic cross-clamp, followed by an infusion (0.1 µg/kg/min) in addition to standard inotropic therapy for 24 hours. In the control group, only standard inotropic therapy was administered. Preoperative characteristics, serum creatinine (sCr) levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were determined preoperatively, on postoperative days 1, 3, and 10. Independent risk factors for renal replacement therapy (RRT) requirement were investigated with stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary endpoint was the effect of levosimendan on postoperative renal clearance (sCr and eGFR). The secondary endpoint was the effect of levosimendan on clinical outcomes (length of intensive care unit and hospital stays, need for RRT). Preoperative characteristics and eGFR were similar between the groups (p>0.05). On postoperative days 1 and 3, sCr values were lower and eGFR values were higher in the levosimendan group in comparison with the control group (p = 0.0001, p = 0.009, respectively). Six patients (9.4%) in the levosimendan group and 10 patients (15.6%) in the control group required RRT therapy (p = 0.284). Independent risk factors for need of RRT include preoperative sCr value between 1.2 to 2.09 mg/dL and≥2.1 mg/dL (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative treatment with levosimendan in addition to standard inotropic therapy in patients with a low ejection fraction undergoing mitral valve surgery improved immediate postoperative renal function and reduced need for RRT.

[The effects of thyroid hormones and interleukin-8 levels on prognosis after congenital heart surgery]. / Dogustan kalp cerrahisinde tiroit fonksiyonlari ve interlökin-8 degerlerinin prognoz üzerine etkisi.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effects of thyroid hormone levels and interleukin-8 levels on prognosis in patients undergoing congenital heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). STUDY DESIGN: The study included 41 consecutive children (19 boys, 22 girls; mean age 3.4 ± 3.1 years; range 0.3 to 12 years). The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of postoperative low cardiac output state (LCOS). The definition of LCOS included oliguria, tachycardia, metabolic acidosis, and increased plasma lactate level. Plasma total (tT4) and free (fT4) thyroxine, total (tT3) and free (fT3) triiodothyronine, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels were measured preoperatively and at 48 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperatively, nine patients (22%) developed LCOS. While the two groups were similar with respect to preoperative levels of thyroid hormones, lactate, and IL-8, postoperative tT3 and fT3 levels were significantly lower, and lactate and IL-8 levels were significantly higher in the LCOS group (p<0.05). In correlation analysis, postoperative IL-8 level showed significant correlations with CPB time (r=0.66), duration of mechanical ventilation (r=0.68), and inotropic requirement (r=0.59) (for all p<0.001). On the other hand, LCOS was significantly correlated with the following: preoperative tT4 (r=-0.32, p=0.043) and postoperative fT3 (r=-0.44, p=0.004) levels, duration of mechanical ventilation (r=0.56, p<0.001), intensive care unit stay (r=0.45, p=0.003), and cross-clamp time (r=0.43, p=0.005). Regression analysis showed preoperative level of tT4 as the independent predictor of LCOS (t=-2.092, p=0.045). Mortality occurred in four patients (9.8%) in the early postoperative period, all of whom were in the LCOS group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the development of LCOS after congenital heart surgery is associated with decreased total and free T3, and increased IL-8 levels at 48 hours, and preoperative tT4 level is an independent predictor of LCOS.

N-acetylcysteine versus Dopamine to Prevent Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery in Patients with Preexisting Moderate Renal Insufficiency.

Objective: Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery is associated with mortality and morbidity. Therefore, strategies to prevent acute kidney injury are very important. The aim of this placebo-controlled randomized double-blind study was to compare the prophylactic efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine and dopamine administration in patients with pre-existing moderate renal insufficiency who were undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: This study included 135 patients with pre-existing moderate renal insufficiency who were scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Serum creatinine and GFR were recorded preoperatively and on the first and second postoperative days. Results: On the first and second postoperative days, the drugs used showed statistically significant differences among the creatinine groups (P<0.001). According to Tukey's HSD, on the first and second PO, the creatinine of Group N, D and P were significantly different (P<0.001). On the first and second PO, the used drugs showed statistically significant differences among the effects of eGFR (P<0.001). According to Tukey's HSD on the first postoperative day, the average eGFR score of Group N compared to D and P were significantly difference (P<0.001). On the second postoperative day, the eGFR of Group N and D showed no difference (P=0.37), but P showed a difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: We found that the prophylactic use of intravenous N-Acetylcysteine had a protective effect on renal function, whereas the application of renal dose dopamine did not have a protective effect in patients with pre-existing moderate renal failure.

Do preoperative oral carbohydrates improve postoperative outcomesin patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts?

Background/aim: The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether the preoperative oral intake of carbohydrate-rich drinks by patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft attenuates postoperative insulin requirements, improves postoperative patient discomfort, provides inotropic support, shortens the length of the ICU stay, and shortens the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Materials and methods: This randomized prospective clinical study included 152 patients with coronary artery disease who were divided into 4 groups. Carbohydrates were administered to 3 groups at different hours and doses before operation. The fourth group had an 8-h preoperative fasting period. The inotropic and vasopressor requirements, ventilation time, and ICU stay time were recorded for all of the groups. Patient wellbeing, mouth dryness, hunger, anxiety, and nausea were assessed using VAS scores of 1-10. Results: Mouth dryness and hunger were significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.03, P = 0.02). The increase in blood glucose level was significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.04). The exogenous insulin requirement was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The administration of carbohydrates before elective cardiac surgery reduced insulin resistance. Based on the VAS scores, the intake of carbohydrates reduced mouth dryness and hunger. Overall, preoperative oral carbohydrate treatments can improve the postoperative outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries.

Sedation for transesophageal echocardiography: comparison of propofol, midazolam and midazolam-alfentanil combination.

AIM: The administration of trans esophageal echocardiography (TEE) may cause nausea, shortness of breath, agitation, emotional distress and pain in patients due to pharyngo-esophageal intubation, which may be partially relieved by sedoanalgesia. The aim of this study was to compare clinical effects of midazolam, midazolam-alfentanil combination and propofol sedation given for sedation and sedoanalgesia to patients with planned diagnostic TEE interventions. METHODS: This study was prospectively completed with 90 randomized adult patients in ASA risk groups I-II-III. Group M were given 2.5 mg midazolam, group MA were given 1 mg midazolam and 5 µg/kg alfentanil and group P were given 0.5 mg/kg propofol intravenous bolus. If necessary, additional doses were administered. Patients administered with TEE were evaluated in terms of additional dose requirements, Ramsey Sedation Scale (RSS), modified Aldrete Scoring (MAS), recovery time and duration of stay in the hospital. RESULTS: In the group P additional dose requirements were greater (p<0.05), as well as the duration of stay in the recovery unit and hospital were shorter (p<0.05). On insertion of the TEE probe, the RSS in the group P was clearly higher than in other groups M and MA (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: During the TEE intervention, the use of propofol, contrary to requirements for additional dose and observation of apnea, appears to be advantageous due to providing more rapid and effective sedation depth without a need of expensive antagonist agents, and allowing early discharge of patients. Additionally, it seems that the use of midazolam combined with alfentanil, is more advantageous comparing to midazolam alone.

Reversed-J inferior sternotomy for awake coronary bypass.

Many approaches for minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery are available and to further decrease the invasiveness, coronary artery bypass grafting has been performed under high thoracic epidural anesthesia without endotracheal intubation in the last years. Less invasive approach to coronary artery bypass graft operations is possible through combination of the high thoracic epidural anesthesia and a reversed-J sternotomy, and coronary revascularization can be accomplished without any additional technical difficulties and with a good exposure of both the left anterior descending artery and the left internal thoracic artery. This technique is less traumatic for patients and provides practical better oxygenation and shorter hospital stay.

[The predictive value of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels on outcome in children with pulmonary hypertension undergoing congenital heart surgery]. / O valor preditivo do peptídeo natriurético tipo-B em resultados de crianças com hipertensão pulmonar submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca congênita.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In children undergoing congenital heart surgery, plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels may have a role in development of low cardiac output syndrome that is defined as a combination of clinical findings and interventions to augment cardiac output in children with pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: In a prospective observational study, fifty-one children undergoing congenital heart surgery with preoperative echocardiographic study showing pulmonary hypertension were enrolled. The plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels were collected before operation, 12, 24 and 48h after operation. The patients enrolled into the study were divided into two groups depending on: (1) Development of LCOS which is defined as a combination of clinical findings or interventions to augment cardiac output postoperatively; (2) Determination of preoperative brain natriuretic peptide cut-off value by receiver operating curve analysis for low cardiac output syndrome. The secondary end points were: (1) duration of mechanical ventilation ≥72h, (2) intensive care unit stay >7days, and (3) mortality. RESULTS: The differences in preoperative and postoperative brain natriuretic peptide levels of patients with or without low cardiac output syndrome (n=35, n=16, respectively) showed significant differences in repeated measurement time points (p=0.0001). The preoperative brain natriuretic peptide cut-off value of 125.5pgmL-1 was found to have the highest sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 96.9% in predicting low cardiac output syndrome in patients with pulmonary hypertension. A good correlation was found between preoperative plasma brain natriuretic peptide level and duration of mechanical ventilation (r=0.67, p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing congenital heart surgery, 91% of patients with preoperative plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels above 125.5pgmL-1 are at risk of developing low cardiac output syndrome which is an important postoperative outcome.

Pulmonary endarterectomy for chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension: an institutional experience.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the treatment of choice for patients with chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The aim of this study was to review our initial experience since the implementation of our program. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on all patients who underwent PEA between March 2011 and March 2012. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients (20 male, 29 female, mean age 47.7 years) underwent surgery. The preoperative New York Heart Association class distribution showed the majority to be in class III or IV (n = 40). Mortality rate was 14.2% (n = 7) and the morbidity rate was 26.5% (n = 13). After PEA, the durations of mechanical ventilation, intensive care stay and hospital stay before discharge were 49.7 ± 46.1 h, 6.5 ± 5.0 days and 12.9 ± 7.5 days, respectively. The systolic and mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) fell significantly from 87.0 ± 26.6 mmHg and 53.8 ± 14.5 before, to 41.5 ± 12.4 mmHg and 28.5 ± 10.5 after surgery (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) also improved significantly from 808 ± 352.0 to 308 ± 91 dyn•s•cm(-5) (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed that preoperative systolic PAP, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, right atrial volume, right atrial pressure, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, preoperative PVR, postoperative PVR, the duration of circulatory arrest and postoperative use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were risk factors for mortality (P < 0.05). According to multivariate analyses, only prolonged mechanical ventilation was selected as predictive risk factor for morbidity (P = 0.005). After a median follow-up of 6.1 months, two patients died due to cerebrovascular disease and one patient needed targeted pulmonary hypertension therapy. The rest of the 39 patients showed marked improvements in their clinical status. CONCLUSIONS: Starting a pulmonary endarterectomy program with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates and satisfactory early-term outcomes increases awareness of the CTEPH and surgery. Preoperative factors can primarily predict postoperative outcome after PEA. Identifying the risk factors in order to achieve a good result is important for the success of a PEA program. Therefore all patients diagnosed with CTEPH should be referred for consideration of PEA in a specialized centre.

N-acetylcysteine versus dopamine to prevent acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery in patients with preexisting moderate renal insufficiency

Abstract Objective: Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery is associated with mortality and morbidity. Therefore, strategies to prevent acute kidney injury are very important. The aim of this placebo-controlled randomized double-blind study was to compare the prophylactic efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine and dopamine administration in patients with pre-existing moderate renal insufficiency who were undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: This study included 135 patients with pre-existing moderate renal insufficiency who were scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Serum creatinine and GFR were recorded preoperatively and on the first and second postoperative days. Results: On the first and second postoperative days, the drugs used showed statistically significant differences among the creatinine groups (P<0.001). According to Tukey’s HSD, on the first and second PO, the creatinine of Group N, D and P were significantly different (P<0.001). On the first and second PO, the used drugs showed statistically significant differences among the effects of eGFR (P<0.001). According to Tukey’s HSD on the first postoperative day, the average eGFR score of Group N compared to D and P were significantly difference (P<0.001). On the second postoperative day, the eGFR of Group N and D showed no difference (P=0.37), but P showed a difference (P<0.001). Conclusion: We found that the prophylactic use of intravenous N-Acetylcysteine had a protective effect on renal function, whereas the application of renal dose dopamine did not have a protective effect in patients with pre-existing moderate renal failure.

The predictive value of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels on outcome in children with pulmonary hypertension undergoing congenital heart surgery / O valor preditivo do peptídeo natriurético tipo-B em resultados de crianças com hipertensão pulmonar submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca congênita / El valor predictivo del plasma en niveles de péptido natriurético tipo B, y los resultados en niños con hipertensión pulmonar en proceso de cirugía de cardiopatía congénita

Background and objectives: In children undergoing congenital heart surgery, plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels may have a role in development of low cardiac output syndrome that is defined as a combination of clinical findings and interventions to augment cardiac output in children with pulmonary hypertension. Methods: In a prospective observational study, fifty-one children undergoing congenital heart surgery with preoperative echocardiographic study showing pulmonary hypertension were enrolled. The plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels were collected before operation, 12, 24 and 48 h after operation. The patients enrolled into the study were divided into two groups depending on: (1) Development of LCOS which is defined as a combination of clinical findings or interventions to augment cardiac output postoperatively; (2) Determination of preoperative brain natriuretic peptide cut-off value by receiver operating curve analysis for low cardiac output syndrome. The secondary end points were: (1) duration of mechanical ventilation ≥72 h, (2) intensive care unit stay >7days, and (3) mortality. Results: The differences in preoperative and postoperative brain natriuretic peptide levels of patients with or without low cardiac output syndrome (n = 35, n = 16, respectively) showed significant differences in repeated measurement time points (p = 0.0001). The preoperative brain natriuretic peptide cut-off value of 125.5 pg mL−1 was found to have the highest sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 96.9% in predicting low cardiac output syndrome in patients with pulmonary hypertension. A good correlation was found between preoperative plasma brain natriuretic peptide level and duration of mechanical ventilation (r = 0.67, p = 0.0001). Conclusions: In patients with pulmonary hypertension undergoing congenital heart surgery, 91% of patients with preoperative plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels above 125.5 pg mL−1 ...

Justificativa e objetivo: Em crianças submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca congênita, os níveis plasmáticos de peptídeo natriurético cerebral (PNC) podem ter um papel no desenvolvimento da síndrome de baixo débito cardíaco (SBDC), definida como uma combinação de achados clínicos e intervenções para aumentar o débito cardíaco em crianças com hipertensão pulmonar. Métodos: Em um estudo prospectivo observacional, foram inscritas 51 crianças submetidas à cirurgia cardíaca congênita, com avaliação ecocardiográfica pré-operatória que mostrava hipertensão pulmonar. Os níveis plasmáticos de PNC foram avaliados antes e 12, 24 e 48 h após a operação. Os pacientes incluídos no estudo foram divididos em dois grupos em função de: (1) desenvolvimento de SBDC; (2) determinação dos valores de corte de PNC no pré-operatório pela análise da curva de funcionamento do receptor para SBDC. Os desfechos secundários foram: (1) duração da ventilação mecânica ≥ 72 h, (2) permanência em unidade de terapia intensiva > 7 dias e (3) mortalidade. Resultados: Os níveis de PNC nos períodos pré- e pós-operatório dos pacientes com ou sem SBDC (n = 35, n = 16, respectivamente) apresentaram diferenças significantes nos tempos de mensuração repetidos (p = 0,0001). O valor de corte de PNC de 125,5 pg mL−1 no pré-operatório obteve a maior sensibilidade de 88,9% e especificidade de 96,9% para prever a SBDC em pacientes com hipertensão pulmonar. Uma boa correlação foi descoberta entre o nível plasmático de PNC no pré-operatório e duração a ventilação mecânica (r = 0,67, p = 0,0001). Conclusões: Em ...

Justificación y objetivo: En niños sometidos a cirugía de cardiopatía congénita, los niveles plasmáticos de péptido natriurético cerebral pueden tener un papel en el desarrollo del síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco, definido como una combinación de hallazgos clínicos e intervenciones para aumentar el gasto cardíaco en niños con hipertensión pulmonar. Métodos: En un estudio prospectivo observacional, se inscribieron 51 niños sometidos a cirugía de cardiopatía congénita, y cuya evaluación ecocardiográfica preoperatoria mostró hipertensión pulmonar. Los niveles plasmáticos de péptido natriurético cerebral fueron evaluados antes de la operación, y 12, 24 y 48 h después de la operación. Los pacientes incluidos en el estudio fueron divididos en 2 grupos en función de: (1) desarrollo de síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco, definido como una combinación de hallazgos clínicos o de intervenciones para aumentar el gasto cardíaco en el postoperatorio; (2) determinación de los valores de corte de péptido natriurético cerebral en el preoperatorio por el análisis de la curva de funcionamiento del receptor para el síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco. Los resultados secundarios fueron: (1) duración de la ventilación mecánica ≥ 72 h, (2) permanencia en unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) > 7 días, y (3) mortalidad. Resultados: Los niveles de péptido natriurético cerebral en los períodos pre y postoperatorio de los pacientes con o sin síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco (n = 35 y n = 16, respectivamente) tuvieron diferencias significativas en los tiempos de medida repetidos (p = 0,0001). El valor de corte de péptido natriurético cerebral de 125,5 pg/mL−1 en el preoperatorio obtuvo la mayor ...

Reversed-J inferior versus full median sternotomy: which is better for awake coronary bypass surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the approach with a less invasive reversed-J inferior sternotomy could improve intraoperative patient compliance and postoperative recovery than the standard median sternotomy. METHODS: Seventeen patients underwent elective single coronary artery bypass graft operation under high thoracic epidural anesthesia without endotracheal intubation. The reversed-J sternotomy was performed in 10 patients (Group A) and full sternotomy in 7 patients (Group B). The technical and surgical difficulties, pulmonary functions (by spirometric tests) and hospital stay were assessed. RESULTS: Through the reversed-J sternotomy coronary revascularization was accomplished without any additional technical difficulties and with a good exposure of both the left anterior descending artery and the left internal thoracic artery. No conversion to standard sternotomy and no intubation were observed. Additional doses of local anesthetic at jugular notch was not required in Group A. Pleura was opened more in Group B (57% vs. 20%; p = 0.14). Oxygen saturation was better in Group A during the surgical procedure (98.8 +/- 0.7% vs. 97.1 +/- 2.1%; p = 0.033), however, intraoperative PaCO2 was similar in both the groups. The patients in Group A were discharged from the hospital earlier (3.2 +/- 1.5 vs. 7.3 +/- 3.5 days; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Less invasive approach to coronary artery bypass graft operations is possible through combination of the high thoracic epidural anesthesia and a reversed-J sternotomy. This technique is less traumatic for patient and provides practical better oxygenation and shorter hospital stay.

Off-pump awake coronary revascularization using bilateral internal thoracic arteries.

BACKGROUND: A new technique has been developed that permits complete arterial revascularization of the lateral and/or inferior wall of the heart using in situ bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts in awake patients. This technique, without cardiopulmonary bypass and mechanical ventilation, creates the least invasive revascularization method for the lateral and/or posterior wall of the heart yet described. METHODS: In 7 patients double or triple vessel coronary artery bypass grafting was performed without general anesthesia. A high thoracic epidural anesthesia was started one hour before surgery. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries were harvested and all anastomoses were performed with the off-pump technique by standard median sternotomy. Circumflex, or the right coronary artery, were anastomosed with bilateral internal thoracic arteries using a heart positioner. Six patients received double bypass grafting and one patient received triple bypass grafts (bilateral internal thoracic arteries and one radial artery). RESULTS: All patients remained awake throughout the whole procedure. There was no perioperative myocardial infarction or mortality. Pneumothorax was observed in three patients, but it was repaired in two. Only one patient completed the procedure with unilateral pneumothorax. There were no hemodynamic and pulmonary problems during lateral or posterior wall revascularization. Two patients required unexpected coronary endarterectomy during circumflex and right coronary artery anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: Complete arterial revascularization by median sternotomy using in situ bilateral internal thoracic artery grafts without general anesthesia is a feasible and safe procedure for multivessel disease. This approach gives a chance for awake revascularization of the right and/or circumflex coronary artery.