ABSTRACT
The debate of on-pump versus off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has been continuing as long as surgical revascularization has been performed. Whilst the most common CABG technique used today remains cardiopulmonary bypass with an arrested heart, many centers pursue off-pump CABG and continue to refine the surgical technique. An alternative to the dichotomous on- and off-pump groups is to consider the range of coronary bypass techniques in relation to their degree of aortic manipulation. A retrospective cohort study, limited to surgeons with a minimum of 100 completed off-pump cases, also found reduced 10-year survival, higher risk of incomplete revascularization and higher rates of repeat revascularization, further supporting this argument. The fellowship's goal is to provide newly graduated cardiothoracic surgeons from around the world with an educational opportunity to enhance their clinical understanding and to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge in the surgical management of patients with coronary artery disease, with special interest in off-pump and minimally invasive techniques.
