BACKGROUND:

Off pump coronary artery bypass surgery is often associated with significant blood loss and allogenic blood transfusion and use of antifibrinolytic agent like tranexamic acid has a potential in mitigating these side effects.

METHODS:

Forty two patients who underwent elective OPCAB surgery were analyzed retrospectively. All patients after standard narcotic induction received bolus intravenous dose of tranexamic acid 10 mg/kg before skin incision. Data was analyzed for 24–hour postoperative chest tube drainage, blood products transfusion, morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS: Mean intraoperative blood loss was 450 + 91.73 ml and 24 hours drainage was 450 + 91.73 ml. PRBC transfusion was required in 9.5%    patients. There were no thrombotic complications, stroke, renal failure and mortality.

CONCLUSION: Prophylactic tranexamic acid is a safe strategy during OPCAB to reduce peri–operative blood loss.