Abstract
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was what the optimal intraoperative anticoagulation strategy should be in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. A total of 157 papers were identified using the reported search, of which 8 were judged to represent the best evidence. The authors, journal, date, country of publication, study type, patient group studied, relevant outcomes and results were tabulated. The quality of clinical trials was assessed. Off-pump CABG is currently considered as a safe and effective alternative to CABG with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, especially in the presence of off-pump expertise and certain pathologies. Although most technical steps in off-pump revascularization are standardized, it appears that there is inconsistency in intraoperative anticoagulation practice. Surveys conducted in the USA and Europe confirm the lack of uniform policy, with heparin dose ranging between 70 and 500 U/kg and from full-dose protamine to no reversal of anticoagulation. Although the quality of evidence is low, there is a trend for utilization of heparin at 150 U/kg, followed by half-dose protamine reversal, which appears to provide adequate anticoagulation for the safe conduct of anastomoses and thromboprophylaxis without significantly increasing the risk of postoperative bleeding. However, more research is necessary before firm recommendations can be made.