Shunt or Snare: Coronary Endothelial Damage due to Hemostatic Devices for Beating Heart Coronary Surgery

Manipulation of human coronary arteries during off-pump operations leads to endothelial denudation and plaque rupture. From this investigation we conclude that insertion of intracoronary shunts during beating heart operations leads to severe endothelial denudation in human coronary arteries. We therefore recommend using shunts selectively in cases where critical ischemia or technical difficulties due to anatomic conditions are expected during anastomosis. The clinical significance of these structural damages has to be further investigated with clinical trials.