Abstract

Cardiovascular disease represents the leading cause of mortality in dialysis-dependent (DD) patients, with the great majority of these patients afflicted by severe coronary artery disease. As rates of end-stage renal disease increase worldwide, DD patients represent a growing proportion of the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) cohort. Yet, these patients are complex, with crucial changes in their haemodynamic and physiologic profiles that complicate revascularisation surgery. First, this comprehensive literature review explores the outcomes and prognostic factors for DD patients undergoing CABG. We then summarise the intricacies relating to important peri-operative decisions such as use of cardio-pulmonary bypass and choice of conduit.