Off-Pump Versus On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Consecutive Patients: Decision-Making Algorithm and Outcomes

Matching surgical strategy to patient-related factors and needs resulted in excellent outcomes. Our data support the use of a protocol based on patient characteristics to drive the surgeon's choice between an on-pump CABG or OPCAB approach. As such, OPCAB can be viewed as a tool to be used by the surgeon developing a best practice in treating coronary artery disease.