What are the effects of avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass in non-elective coronary artery bypass surgery?
A study by Karthik et al. (2003) found that avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass in non-elective coronary artery bypass surgery showed a trend towards a decreased mortality and morbidity rate, with significantly reduced hospital stay, hospital costs and transfusion requirements. However, there was an increased risk of complications, particularly pulmonary complications, wound infection and stroke.