Harefuah
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240 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) without extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Mean grafts per patient was 1.9 (range 1-5). The internal mammary artery (IMA) was used in 210 cases (87%), but in only 53 (22%) were there grafts to the circumflex marginals. ⋯ We conclude that CABG without ECC can be performed with relatively low operative mortality, but there seems to be increased risk of early return of angina. It should therefore be considered for those patients with appropriate coronary anatomy in whom ECC poses a very high risk. However, it is still a hazardous procedure when used as as an emergency operation, and for cases with calcified aorta.