Logistic reasons, lack of funding

The aim of the study is to analyze the potential of pressure controlled intermittent coronary sinus occlusion (PICSO) to prevent/reverse the ischemic burden as well as reperfusion injury. To achieve insight into the clinical significance of this local preconditioning effect, global hemodynamics, cardiac performance and clinical outcome in the first 30 days will be related to the ability of this intervention to protect the myocardium in elective surgical procedures, ameliorating cellular decay and preserving the microcirculation therefore improving graft flow, reducing enzyme leakage and finally improving myocardial performance.

• Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) will be enrolled in this study.
• A computerized randomization process is used to obtain similar distributions within each group. Stratification will be done by the severity of coronary artery disease, age and sex.
• Routine blood sampling will be performed the day before surgery as well as a transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) study to determine ventricular volumes and valvular function.
• A modified Minnesota quality of Life questionnaire will be assessed and these data will be compared with 30 days outcome data screened in an outpatient environment.
• A 12 lead electrocardiogram will be obtained. To assess eligibility and to assure grouping (stratification & randomization) patients will be scored using the additive EuroSCORE. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative (up to 72 hrs) measurements of myocardial enzyme leakage will be performed using standard diagnostic procedures (cardiac troponin T, CK-MB, and total creatine kinase), as well as serial electrocardiograms and echocardiograms.
• Perioperative infarction will be assessed as the development of new persistent regional wall motion abnormalities in echocardiography together with electrocardiographic alterations and CK-MB increases and new Q-wave PMI.
• Sequential cytokine analyses (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, VEGF and TNF- alpha ) preoperatively, at the beginning of the operation, the beginning of ECC and 6,24 h and 30 days postop.
• Serial quantification of global and regional wall motion will be recorded using TEE measurements during surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients of either sex and between 18 and 85 years of age scheduled for surgery without severe confounding disease will be asked to participate in the study.
• Written informed consent will be obtained in eligible patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with unstable angina pectoris and/or myocardial infarction within the last 30 days, as well as persons with planned concomitant valvular interventions will be excluded. Patients with malignoma, severe hepatic, renal and pulmonary disease will also be excluded