A meta-analysis of randomized trials for repeat revascularization following off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

To determine whether repeat revascularization rates are increased following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of off-pump vs on-pump CABG. Databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched through March 2013 using web-based search engines (PubMed, OVID). Studies considered for inclusion met the following criteria: the design was a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial; the study population was patients undergoing CABG; patients were randomly assigned to off-pump vs on-pump CABG and outcomes included repeat revascularization rates at >= 1 year. Our exhaustive search identified 12 prospective randomized controlled trials of off-pump vs on-pump CABG. Pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant 38% increase in repeat revascularization rates with off-pump relative to on-pump CABG in the fixed-effects model (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.76; P = 0.008). In general, exclusion of any single trial from the analysis did not substantively alter the overall result of our analysis. There was no evidence of significant publication bias. The results of our analysis suggest that off-pump CABG may increase repeat revascularization rates by 38% over on-pump CABG.