26/03/2018

In coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, there are two possible methods: either on-pump or off-pump. Selected patients who are able to undergo the off-pump technique with beating heart, benefit from the temporary intraluminal shunt. This is a simple and inexpensive material which eliminates regional ischemia, promoting continuous blood flow to the distal area of the coronary being treated. This in turn allows a safe and unhurried construction of the anastomosis. The protrusions on both sides of the shunt prevent bleeding, as there is a continuous blood flow through the lumen. Since the diameter of the shunt is smaller than the vessel, the incision borders are not under tension, permitting an easier suturing. When the anastomosis is almost complete, as the shunt is flexible, it is possible to remove it through the remaining space, and only the last stitch will be made without it.