Post-operative care
Our standard post-operative protocol was as follows. The patient was transferred from the intensive care unit to the general ward on post-operative day (POD)1. On the same day, oral intake was initiated, caloric intake was assessed, and further diet was arranged by the nutritionist.
We started oral aspirin at 81 mg/day on POD1, and clopidogrel at 75 mg/day following drainage tube removal (usually POD2)15.
Concerning rehabilitation, the patient attempted to reach a standing position and to take steps with the physical therapist on POD1. This was advanced to a 100-m walk in 10 min on an ergometer on POD2, and a 300-m walk in 10 min on the ergometer on POD3.
Grafts were evaluated before discharge by coronary angiography or contrast-enhanced computed tomography.