Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass is an Alternative to Conventional Cardiopulmonary Bypass When Repair of Traumatic Coronary Artery Injuries is Indicated

Coronary artery injuries after penetrating cardiac trauma are rare. The standard approach to these injuries has traditionally been coronary artery ligation. When cardiac perfusion is profoundly compromised, cardiopulmonary bypass has been used to facilitate revascularization, although with serious morbidity. We report a case of traumatic left anterior descending coronary artery transection repaired off-pump in a young stabbing victim. Penetrating traumatic cardiac injuries are highly lethal injuries. Cardiopulmonary bypass has been used for myocardial revascularization when cardiac perfusion is compromised, although with significant complications. Off-pump coronary artery bypass is a safe alternative in the traumatized patient.