Safety and efficacy of biocompatible perfusion strategy in a contemporary series of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting – a two-center study

OBJECTIVE: The profile of patients referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is continuously changing to include older patients with multiple comorbidities. We assessed the safety and efficacy of a biocompatible perfusion strategy (BPS) in a contemporary series of patients undergoing isolated CABG. METHODS: BPS consisted of a membrane oxygenator, tip-to-tip closed-system heparin-bonded cardiopulmonary bypass circuits without a cardiotomy reservoir, low systemic anticoagulation (target ACT – 250-300 sec) using heparin titration curves, low prime volume, avoidance of systemic cooling, and routine use of cell saver and anti-fibrinolytics. Data were prospectively collected using the American Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Adult Cardiac Surgery Database definitions. RESULTS: 964 consecutive patients (mean age 66 ± 11 years, 83% male) undergoing CABG between 2008 and 2012 were enrolled. 30-day mortality was 1.4%. Rates of postoperative stroke, myocardial infarction, sternal infection and reoperation for bleeding were 0.9%, 1.3%, 1.9% and 4.2%, respectively. Average 24-hour chest tube drainage was 440 ± 280 ml. Blood products were used in 34% of patients (total donor exposure of 1.7 ± 4.7 units/patient). Predictors of hospital mortality in multivariable analysis were left main disease and preoperative treatment with anti-arrhythmic or immunosuppressive medications. Predictors of allogeneic blood transfusions included older age, small body surface area, female gender, increased serum creatinine, lower preoperative LVEF and hematocrit. Priority of surgery, dual antiplatelet therapy and cardiopulmonary bypass time were not predictors of adverse outcomes or blood transfusions. CONCLUSIONS: In a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing CABG, the use of BPS is safe and effective. It is associated with excellent clinical outcomes and reduced allogeneic blood transfusions. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13019-014-0196-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.