Combined off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery and pulmonary resection

Background Combined cardiac surgery and pulmonary resection using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) has been described previously. There are a few reports of combined procedures done without using CPB. Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) eliminates organ dysfunction and suppression of immune system related to extracorporeal circulation. Methods Six patients underwent combined OPCABG and lung resection during a 4-year period. Follow-up ranging from 9 months to 3 years is available for these patients. Results Malignant pathology was the diagnosis in 5 patients and 1 patient was diagnosed with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Right upper lobectomy was performed in 3 patients, left upper lobectomy was performed in 1 patient, right upper and middle bilobectomy was performed in 1 patient, and bilateral lung volume reduction was performed in one patient. Prolonged air leak occurred in 1 patient postoperatively and another patient experienced small right-sided residual pleural space that was resolved at 6 weeks follow-up. There were no operative deaths but there were 2 late deaths. Evidence of recurrence for angina or malignancy upon follow-up was not detected. Conclusions A combined procedure is a safe approach in patients diagnosed with concomitant coronary artery and pulmonary disease. Avoidance of CPB may decrease the incidence of postoperative complications.