Off-pump (OPCAB) and on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery techniques are compared. A randomized controlled trial found OPCAB reduced acute kidney injury (AKI) risk after surgery, especially in patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, long-term kidney function was similar between groups one year later. Larger trials are needed to definitively determine if preventing AKI can preserve long-term kidney function.