OBJECTIVES: During coronary surgery without CPB, exposure of posterior vessels via sternotomy can cause deterioration of cardiac hemodynamics, requiring inotropic drug support. Recent animal experiments demonstrate the hemodynamic benefit of right heart support (RHS) with the A-MED system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hemodynamic effect of RHS in: restoring hemodynamics, increasing anastomotic exposure and reducing inotropic requirements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven patients received coronary revascularization with the A-MED RHS device. All had at least 1 circumflex branch bypassed. The anterior wall was systematically bypassed off pump without RHS. The right coronary artery (RCA) and the obtuse coronary artery (OM) were completed utilizing RHS. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), cardiac output (CO) and the average pump flow (APF) were recorded during the OM and RCA bypass. RESULTS: Elective beating heart coronary artery graft (CABG) was successfully accomplished in 11 patients with RHS. Data measurements recorded showed the improved hemodynamic recovery for OM and RCA bypass with RHS. The MAP increased from 44 to 63 mmHg (OM) and from 63 to 81 mmHg (RCA). No device-related patient incidents occurred. All 11 patients were discharged to their homes. CONCLUSIONS: The AMED system as RHS support facilitated coronary bypass without CPB to posterior vessels, restoring hemodynamics, providing better exposure to anastomic sites and apparently reducing the need for inotropic support.
Myocardial revascularization; Hemodynamics; Extracorporeal circulation; Ventricular function, right; Heart ventricle; Coronary vessels; Heart-assist devices
