Anaesthesia for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting : review article

Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) surgery has regained popularity because it may avoid some of the complications associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). There are also potential cost savings to the patient and these factors have led surgeons to re-examine the procedure to counteract the rapidly developing competition of cardiological revascularisation by angioplasty and stenting. The technique of anaesthesia for OPCAB surgery has evolved to meet the surgical advances that have taken place. The major challenge faced by anaesthesiologists is in the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias associated with manipulation of the heart that is integral to this type of surgery.