Methods: A total of 301 patients undergoing CABG were divided into two groups according to the method of venting. Aortic root venting (group I) was performed in 151 patients (109 males, 42 females; mean age 61±9 years), and pulmonary arterial venting (group II) was performed in 150 patients (79 males, 71 females; mean age 61±10 years). Preopererative, intraoperative, and postoperative findings were compared.

Results: The mean number of anastomoses was 2.8±0.8 in group I, and 2.4±0.8 in group II (p=0.001). The mean duration of cross clamping was 42.7±17.4 min in group I, and 54.1±23.8 min in group II (p=0.001). The two groups did not differ with respect to the mean duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (86.4±56.1 min vs 77.4±28.6 min). The mean postoperative PO₂ was 92.8±4.8 mmHg in group I, and 106.9±22 mmHg in group II (p=0.001). The corresponding figures for SO₂ were 97.3±23.4% and 96±8%, respectively (p=0.001). The amount of chest tube drainage and blood transfusion, intubation time, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay were similar in the two groups. Nasotracheal aspiration was required in 20 patients (80%) in group I, and in five patients (20%) in group II (p=0.002). The need for bronchodilator treatment and the development of atrial fibrillation were significantly less in group II (p=0.01 and p=0.02, respectively). All the patients that needed reintubation (n=7) were in group I (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Pulmonary arterial venting enables effective decompression of the lungs and left ventricle and is associated with better postoperative pulmonary functions compared to aortic venting.