Intrapulmonary shunt after cardiopulmonary bypass: The use of vital capacity maneuvers versus off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Abstract Objectives: It has been proved in human subjects and animals that atelectasis is a major cause of intrapulmonary shunting and hypoxemia after cardiopulmonary bypass. Animal studies suggest that shunting can be prevented entirely by a total vital capacity maneuver performed before termination of bypass. This study aimed to test this theory in human subjects and to evaluate possible advantages of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: Twenty-four patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly assigned to receive no total vital capacity maneuver (control group, n=12) or standard total vital capacity maneuvers (TVCM group, n=12). Additionally, 12 consecutive patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (off-pump group) were studied. Systemic and central hemodynamics, the pattern of breathing, and ventilatory mechanics were evaluated after induction of anesthesia, after sternotomy, after cardiopulmonary bypass and skin closure, and 4 hours after extubation. Results: The use of total vital capacity maneuvers reduced ( P P P P P Conclusion: The development of intrapulmonary shunting and hypoxemia after coronary artery bypass grafting can be substantially reduced by performance of total vital capacity maneuvers while patients are mechanically ventilated. However, off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery is superior in preventing shunting and hypoxemia after bypass grafting in the immediate and early postoperative periods, probably leading to substantially shorter intensive care unit and hospital stays. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002;124:732-8