U-Clip Anastomoses in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Initial Clinical Experience
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1532/hsf.691Abstract
Background: Recent studies suggest that the U-Clip interrupted coronary artery anastomosis is superior to continuous suture. However, clinical experience with this device is limited.
Aim: To evaluate our initial clinical experience with the U-Clip technology.
Methods: Outcomes of 59 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using U-Clips (UCs) were compared to outcomes of 138 patients undergoing CABG using conventional sutures (Conv).
Results: The average number of distal anastomoses was similar in the groups (UC, 2.9; Conv, 3.2; P = .33). Also similar were the number of arterial grafts (1.6 versus 1.5, P = .4), percentage of sequential anastomoses (22% versus 12%, P = .058), and percentage performed off pump (27% versus 28%, P = .74). Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were longer in the UC group (98 ± 27 versus 81 ± 20 minutes, P = .001; 63 ± 25 versus 54 ± 24 minutes, P = .028). Rates of operative mortality (UC, 1.69%; Conv, 0.7%), postoperative myocardial infarction (0% each), stroke (0% each), renal failure (2% versus 1.4%), and blood transfusion (53% versus 58%) were not statistically different. Average follow-up in 36 (61%) of UC patients was 5 ± 2 months (range, 1-7 months). One patient died from a non-cardiac-related cause. At the time of follow-up 90% of patients were in angina class I-II.
Conclusions: The U-Clip interrupted anastomosis technique is versatile and safe and is associated with excellent short-term outcomes.
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