Are Calcium-Channel Blockers Mandatory Postoperatively with Radial Artery Grafting in CABG Patients

Abstract

Background: Radial artery (RA) is one of the best conduit options for patients receiving coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). One of RA’s main supposed drawbacks as a graft conduit is its tendency for spasms, and possible subsequent affection of recurrent ischemia. Multiple efforts were done throughout the years for avoiding the spastic nature of RA, with one of those being perioperative use of calcium-channel blockers (CCBs). But so far, all the scientific evidence has been under debate and controversial.Aim and Objectives: The aim of this work is to assess the quality of immediate postoperative convalescence and outcome of CABG patients who received radial artery conduit, with no perioperative use of calcium-channel blockers. Therefore, eliminating unnecessary postoperative medication.Subjects and Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study on one-hundred and forty patients, who had undergone CABG operation with radial artery conduit and no perioperative calcium-channel blocker use.The study was done at the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department Ain Shams University and the Memorial Souad Kafafi University Hospital. By reviewing patient medical data from 1/1/2016 till 31/12/2023, after institutional consent.Result: There was no necessity nor indication for calcium-channel blocker use perioperatively. As patients had an unremarkable immediate postoperative period up to at least one month, in regard to recurrence of cardiac ischemia.Conclusion: The current study showed that the use of calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) isn’t mandatory as anti-spastic measure with radial artery (RA) conduit in CABG. And so, should be avoided unless there’s another medical indication based on each individual case. In order to help with postoperative patient compliance and avoiding unnecessary prescriptions.