Background: Total arterial revascularization is the most durable and technically the most demanding type of coronary artery bypass grafting procedure. It has proven long-term supremacy in comparison to conventional coronary artery bypass grafting. In our study, we investigated the reliability of EuroSCORE II as a predictor of intrahospital death. We showed its impact on adverse perioperative events. Methods: In this nonrandomized prospective study, we analyzed 116 consecutive patients who underwent the total arterial revascularization procedure at our Institute from January 2011 until the present. For myocardial revascularization, the most suitable combinations with left internal mammary artery, right internal mammary artery, and radial artery grafts were used. Main fact in this research was intrahospital mortality value in comparison with the value predicted. Results: There were 104 (89.7%) males and 12 (10.3%) females. Mean preoperative EuroSCORE II prediction value was 1.98% and postoperative we obtained 1.72%. Postoperative redo for bleeding was 6%. Positive correlation was proven between the EuoroSCORE II value and intensive care unit stay (0.452; p < 0.001). Among patients who received two internal mammary arteries, the highest EuroSCORE II was among those with presternal wound infection (p = 0.005). Patients with bilateral internal mammary arteries and diabetes showed that they have the highest values of EuroSCORE II and, at the same time, that they are extremely prone to wound problems. Conclusions: We achieved a lower intrahospital mortality level than it was predicted with preoperative EuroSCORE II value. This tool is a reliable method for preoperative death risk calculation in this group of patients.

Background and Objectives: The saphenous vein graft (SVG) remains the most frequently used conduit worldwide, despite its common disadvantage of early graft failure. To solve the problem and reduce the SVG damage, Souza implemented a new technique where a vein is harvested with surrounding fascia and fat tissue (the so-called no-touch technique). Materials and Methods. A prospective study conducted from February 2019 to June 2024 included 23 patients who underwent myocardial revascularization using a no-touch vein, with follow-up control examinations using computed tomographic angiography to detect graft stenosis or occlusion. Results. Of the entire patient group, 17 (73.9%) were male, with a mean age of 67.39 ± 7.71 years. The mean follow-up period was 25 months. There were no major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) during hospitalization, although one patient died in the hospital. Another patient died due to malignancy, but no MACCEs occurred during the follow-up period. According to multi-slice CT coronary angiography, the results were impeccable, with an astonishing 100% patency observed in all 20 IMA grafts and 58 no-touch SVGs examined. Conclusions. The excellent patency rate during the early follow-up period confirmed that the no-touch technique is a good option for surgical revascularization.

Introduction. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of three distinct configurations of No-Touch (NT) grafts used in coronary artery bypass grafting, focusing on the safety and efficacy of these techniques. Methods. Nine cases were analysed and categorized into three groups: Coronaro-Coronary NT Left Internal Thoracic Artery (LITA) non-aortic composite grafts; NT-LITA ‘Y’ composite grafts, and a Posterior Descending-Obtuse Marginal-Aorta NT vein graft. Results. In Group 1, no traditional proximal anastomosis was performed. The NT vein graft was distally anastomosed to the obtuse marginal branch in an end-to-side manner, followed by side-to-side anastomosis to the Ramus Intermedius (RI) or Diagonal, and a final end-to-side connection to the Ramus Interventricularis Anterior (RIA). In Group 2, where NT-LITA ‘Y’ composite grafts were utilized, the first graft was placed end-to-side and the second side-to-side, addressing either two marginal branches or the OM and RI branches. Proximal anastomoses were occasionally performed to the LITA or aorta. In Group 3, a sequential anastomosis was conducted, with the NT vein graft connected from the right posterior descending artery in an end-to-side manner, followed by a side-to-side connection to the OM branch. Patients had patent No-Touch vein grafts on their follow-up MSCT, without any post-surgery complications, except 2 cases where one had occluded marginal branches, and one LITA-RIA anastomosis. Conclusions. Different No-Touch graft configurations demonstrate high patency rates and a favorable safety profile. Overall, graft patency was preserved in most patients during follow-up, although several anastomotic occlusions were observed. These findings suggest NT grafts are a viable alternative to traditional methods, warranting further research into long-term outcomes and surgical refinements.

Background/Objectives: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the MacNew Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MacNew HRQL) in patients who underwent elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in Serbia. Methods: Recruitment of participants was organized at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases “Dedinje”. The MacNew HRQL was administered prior to having CABG, and 1, 6 and 12 months after CABG. The scale was compared to the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Clinical data were obtained from medical records. Results: A total of 192 patients had complete follow-up data (80.2% male, 64.1 ± 7.6 years old). The Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients were ≥0.80. The original three-factor structure was supported by indices on the confirmatory factor analysis using the Unweighted Least Squares estimator (ULS) at 6 and 12 months post-CABG, but not at baseline and 1 month after CABG. Longitudinal measurement invariance suggested that models were not supported. The MacNew HRQL global score correlated with clinical parameters at all four time points. All MacNew HRQL domains correlated with mental and physical scores of the SF-36 and with depression, anxiety and stress scores. Conclusions: The MacNew HRQL in Serbian had good internal consistency and construct validity. The three-factor structure was most favorable under the ULS at 6 and 12 months post-CABG. As the measurement invariance was not supported, changes in scores over time cannot be interpreted unequivocally as changes in the same underlying constructs. The scores right before and after CABG should be interpreted with caution.