The effect of off-pump coronary bypass graft surgery on subfoveal choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness

Background: Cardiac surgery has been associated with adverse ocular events. Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery evades the systemic inflammatory response seen in extracorporeal circulation and is superior to on-pump surgery with regard to end-organ dysfunction and neurological outcomes.Objectives: To determine the effects of off-pump (without extracorporeal circulation) coronary artery bypass graft surgery on choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and the retinal nerve fiber layer.Design: Prospective, longitudinal study.Methods: Patients who underwent off-pump surgery were examined preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week and 6 weeks after surgery. Choroidal thickness, ganglion cell complex, and the retinal nerve fiber layer measurements were recorded, and the effects of off-pump coronary artery bypass on these parameters were assessed.Results: A total of 44 eyes of 44 patients were included in the study. There was a statistically significant increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness from 252.84 +/- 56.24 mu m preoperatively to 273.82 +/- 39.76 mu m at 1 week and 301.97 +/- 44.83 mu m at 6 weeks after off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (p = 0.044; p <= 0.001). Ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber measurements showed no significant difference compared to preoperative values.Conclusion: Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery showed no negative effects on ganglion cell complex and retinal nerve fiber measurements. A significant increase in subfoveal choroidal thickness was seen after off-pump surgery, which might be advantageous in patients who are at high risk or have preexisting ocular diseases that are affected by the choroid.