Mr. Nelson is a 65-year-old male who has been advised that he is a candidate for coronary artery bypass grafting. He has been doing some internet research and is asking about whether or not he should have a beating heart bypass. Regarding off-pump coronary bypass grafting, the AGACNP advises Mr. Nelson that
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: There is a slightly higher risk of neurologic complications.
Rationale:
1. Off-pump bypass grafting involves performing surgery on a beating heart without the use of a heart-lung machine.
2. The lack of cardiopulmonary bypass during off-pump surgery can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of neurologic complications.
3. This is why the AGACNP advises Mr. Nelson about the slightly higher risk of neurologic complications associated with off-pump bypass.
4. Choice B is incorrect as long-term results actually suggest similar or better patency rates for grafts in off-pump surgery.
5. Choice C is incorrect as the statement about the incidence increasing significantly in the last 10 years is not relevant to the risks of off-pump surgery.
6. Choice D is incorrect as off-pump surgery is not considerably more expensive and the correlation with better long-term outcomes is debatable.