Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Patients with Left Main Disease

<i>Background:</i> Multivessel off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been performed with favorable results in our institute. In this study, we analyzed the outcomes in patients who underwent off-pump CABG for left main disease, since the surgical outcomes for such patients have not been clarified. <i>Methods:</i> Between March 1, 1999 and July 30, 2002, a total of 147 patients with left main disease (112 males and 35 females, mean age 66.9 ± 9.8 years) underwent off-pump CABG. Perioperative and follow-up data were entered into a structured database and the results were analyzed. <i>Results:</i> Urgent or emergent surgery was performed in 25 patients (17.0%), and a preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump was used in 12 patients (8.2%). The mean number of bypass grafts was 3.2 ± 1.0, and complete revascularization was performed in 127 patients (86.4%). There were 4 incidences of intraoperative conversion from off-pump to on-pump surgery. The mean intubation period, intensive care unit stay and postoperative hospital stay were 9.4 ± 13.0 h, 2.3 ± 1.4 days and 13.4 ± 7.3 days, respectively. There was 1 hospital death (0.7%). Postoperativ