Two experts in the United States said the findings reflect current practice.
"Elderly patients and other patients previously deemed to have increased risk for coronary bypass surgery are now routinely operated on with reduced risk and improved results in contemporary cardiac surgical practice," explained Dr. L. Michael Graveer, chief of adult cardiac surgery at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y.
And while off- and on-pump methods can deliver "equivalent outcomes," he stressed that "it is very important for the cardiac surgical team to have experience in both techniques in order to offer minimal risk and optimal results."
Dr. Scott Schubach, chair of the department of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at Winthrop-University Hospital in Mineola, N.Y., agreed.
"Both techniques are important and can be used in appropriate clinical settings," he said. "Indications for standard on-pump versus off-pump procedures vary depending on specific patient risk factors and are subject to the surgeon's judgment."
Findings from studies that have only been presented at medical meetings, such as the trial led by Hlavicka, are typically considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
More information
Find out more about coronary artery bypass surgery at the American Heart Association.
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