Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Jan 2020
ReviewOff-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Closing the Communication Gap Across the Ether Screen.
Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been one of the most important additions to the field of heart surgery in the past century. However, significant morbidity associated with CPB has led to the increasing implementation of off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB). ⋯ Technical skill at performing and interpreting transesophageal echocardiography is essential to help differentiate regional wall motion abnormalities from coronary ischemia and external compression from manipulation of the heart, which require different management strategies to resolve hemodynamic collapse. Flawless communication between the anesthesiologist and surgeons, with frequent intraoperative adjustments, is paramount for the completion of successful OPCAB.