Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery Research Articles

Mackay Heart Failure Study: Examining the Root Causes, Compliance With Guideline-Based Therapy and Prognosis

Heart failure patients have poor outcomes comparable to some malignancies; however, the modern guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT) has improved its outcomes. The clinical characteristics and prescribers' compliance with GDMT for heart failure patients have not been studied in the Mackay region. A retrospective cohort study of 115 consecutive adult heart failure patients was conducted at our institution. The study cohort consisted of 80% (n=92) males. Ischaemia was the leading cause accounting for 54% (n=62) of the cohort, followed by idiopathic cardiomyopathy at 32% (n=37). Drug-induced and Takotsubo cardiomyopathies were responsible for 11% and 1% respectively. Two (2) patients (2%) had valvular heart disease. Hypertension was present in 57% while diabetes and atrial fibrillation were present in 32% and 43% of patients. Fifty-nine per cent (59%) had a smoking history. All, except four patients, had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <50%) at diagnosis. Among patients with coronary ischaemia, 37% and 31% were revascularised with percutaneous coronary interventions and bypass graft surgeries, respectively. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and beta blockers were prescribed in 94% and 95% of the patients, respectively. Mineralocorticoid inhibitors were used in 25% while ivabradine was given to 8% of patients. Nine per cent (9%) of patients received cardiac resynchronisation therapy. Most patients had improvement in functional class and LVEF during follow-up. There were very few mortalities at 3% (n=3) at the median follow-up of 403 (IQR 239-896) days. Our study has shed light on heart failure epidemiology in the Mackay region. We found excellent compliance with GDMT and good prognosis for most patients in terms of both symptom and survival.

Active clearance vs conventional management of chest tubes after cardiac surgery: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundChest tubes are routinely used after cardiac surgery to evacuate shed mediastinal blood. Incomplete chest drainage due to chest tube clogging can lead to retained blood after cardiac surgery. This can include cardiac tamponade, hemothorax, bloody effusions and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). Prior published non randomized studies have demonstrated that active tube clearance (ATC) of chest tubes can reduce retained blood complications prompting the ERAS Cardiac Society guidelines to recommend this modality.ObjectiveA randomized prospective trial to evaluate whether an ATC protocol aimed at improving chest tube patency without breaking the sterile field could efficiently reduce complications related to retained blood after cardiac surgery.MethodsThis was a pragmatic, single-blinded, parallel randomized control trial held from November 2015 to June 2017 including a 30-day post index surgery follow-up. The setting was two academic centers affiliated with the Université de Montréal School of Medicine; the Montreal Heart Institute and the Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal. Adult patients admitted for non-emergent coronary bypass grafting and/or valvular heart surgery through median sternotomy, in sinus rhythm for a minimum of 30 days prior to the surgical intervention were eligible for inclusion.In the active tube clearance group (ATC), a 28F PleuraFlow device was positioned within the mediastinum. In the standard drainage group, a conventional chest tube (Teleflex Inc.) was used. Other chest tubes were left at the discretion of the operating surgeon.ResultsA total of 520 adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were randomized to receive either ATC (n = 257) or standard drainage (n = 263). ATC was associated with a 72% reduction in re-exploration for bleeding (5.7% vs 1.6%, p = .01) and an 89% reduction in complete chest tube occlusion (2% vs 19%, p = .01). There was an 18% reduction in POAF between the ATC and control group that was not statistically significant (31% vs 38%, p = .08).Conclusions and relevanceIn this RCT, the implementation of active clearance of chest tubes reduced re-exploration and chest tube clogging in patients after cardiac surgery further supporting recommendations to consider this modality postoperatively.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT02808897. Retrospectively registered 22 June 2016.

Analgesia with blockage of the erector plane of the spine in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Case report

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Persistence of pain in the postoperative thoracic region is very common with conventional analgesia performed only with opioids, which prolongs recovery, increasing costs and morbidity. Erector spinae plane blockage is a promising technique for the analgesic control in the postoperative period of cardiac surgeries. The purpose of this study was to describe a case in which erector spinae plane blockage provided adequate postoperative analgesic control. CASE REPORT: A 61-year-old male patient submitted to elective cardiac surgery for left ventricular aneurysmectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting. On the first postoperative day presented pain of intensity 8 on the visual analog scale in the left hemithorax. The patient underwent erector spinae plane blockage with a catheter located at T5 guided by ultrasound with a 17G Tuohy needle and injection of 20mL of 0.5% ropivacaine providing important decrease and improvement of pulmonary expansibility. CONCLUSION: Erector spinae plane blockage provided adequate analgesia and was considered a good therapeutic option.

Peculiariities of diagnostic parameters in patients with acute myocardial lesion after coronary artery bypass grafting

Annually, up to 850 000 coronary aortic bypass graft operations are performed worldwide. Despite modern technical equipment ensuring a high level of safety of the procedure, currently important remains a problem related to intraoperative myocardial damage in using artificial circulation. Early detection and clinical assessment of myocardial ischaemia often present a difficult task. This article deals with clinical, instrumental and laboratory methods of diagnosis, aimed at verification of an intraoperative cardiac lesion associated with graft dysfunction in coronary artery bypass grafting. Isolated electrocardiographic and echocardiographic signs of myocardial ischaemia between the comparison groups did not differ significantly. Analysing the markers of myocardial lesions, statistically significant differences were obtained only after 48 hours which, from the point of view of saving viable myocardium, is an utterly long-term interval. Studying the findings of intraoperative flowmetry showed statistically significant dependence between velocity characteristics, pulse index of shunts and their patency on angiographic examination. Thus, only combination of diagnostic parameters makes it possible to detect myocardial damage related to shunt dysfunction. This enables early determination of indications for performing bypass angiography and selection of the required therapeutic policy. Timely coronary artery angiography makes it possible to reveal defects of shunts and to timely perform surgical correction, preventing myocardial infarction.

Total Arterial Coronary Bypass Graft Surgery is Associated with Better Long-Term Survival in Patients with Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease: a Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

IntroductionThe benefit of total arterial revascularization (TAR) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a controversial issue. This study sought to evaluate whether there is any difference on the long-term results of TAR and non-TAR CABG patients.MethodsThe Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL/CCTR), Clinical Trials.gov, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published by October 2020. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies with propensity score matching comparing TAR versus non-TAR CABG were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The current barriers to implementation of TAR in clinical practice and measures that can be used to optimize outcomes were reviewed.ResultsFourteen publications (from 2012 to 2020) involving a total of 22,746 patients (TAR: 8,941 patients; non-TAR: 13,805 patients) were included. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for long-term mortality (over 10 years) was lower in the TAR group than in the non-TAR group (random effect model: HR 0.676, 95% confidence interval 0.586-0.779, P<0.001). There was evidence of low heterogeneity of treatment effect among the studies for mortality, and none of the studies had a particular impact on the summary result. The result was not influenced by age, sex, or comorbidities. We identified low risk of publication bias related to this outcome.ConclusionThis review found that TAR presents the best long-term results in patients who undergo CABG. Given that many patients are likely to benefit from TAR, its use should be encouraged.

Abstract 16670: Outcomes of Patients With St Elevation Myocardial Infarction and History of Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Introduction: The outcomes of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with prior coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery have received limited study. Methods: We compared the clinical and procedural characteristics and outcomes of STEMI patients with and without prior CABG surgery in a contemporary STEMI registry of consecutive STEMI patients with STEMI or new left bundle-branch block within 24 hours of symptom onset presenting between March 2003 and April 2020. Morality and major cardiac adverse events (MACE: death, MI or stroke) were the primary outcomes of the study. Survival curves are depicted using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank test. Results: Of the 6,311 patients included in the analyses, 6.9% had history of prior CABG. Mean age was 63.4 ± 13.9 years and most of the patients were men (71%), 21% had prior MI and 19% had diabetes mellitus. Prior CABG patients were older (70.4±11.7 vs. 62.9±13.9 years, p&lt;0.001) and more likely to have diabetes (39% vs. 18%, p&lt;0.001), prior MI (68% vs. 18%, p&lt;0.001) and cardiogenic shock at presentation (14% vs. 9%, p=0.001) compared with patients without CABG. Median door to balloon time (69 [52, 88] vs. 55 [41, 79] min, p&lt;0.001) as well as length of hospital stay (3 [2, 5] vs. 3 [2, 4] days, p=0.032) were longer in prior CABG patients. Survival evaluated by the Kaplan Meier method at 30 days, 1 year, and 5 years were significantly lower in patients with prior CABG (p&lt;0.001, Figure). Landmark survival analyses, with landmark time of hospital discharge, were similar at 30 days (p=0.158) but showed lower survival rates at 1 year and 5 years. MACE occurred with similar incidence at 30 days follow up, but were more common at 1 year follow up. Outcomes were similar to saphenous vein graft and native coronary culprits. Conclusions: Patients with STEMI and previous CABG represent a higher risk cohort with worse in-hospital and long-term outcomes compared to those without previous CABG.

Utilization of Guidelines-recommended secondary cardiovascular preventive medications in a decade or more survivors after coronary revascularization in the Middle East; analysis form the DECADE PLUS S

Abstract Background There is scarcity of studies from the Middle East had address the use of guideline-recommended secondary cardiovascular prevention medications among individuals who survived at least one decade after coronary revascularization (CR) by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG). Purpose An objective of the DECADE-PLUS study was to evaluate the use of antiplatelet agents (APA), statins, beta blockers (BB) and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASI) in such patients. Methods We enrolled consecutive patients seen at ambulatory or in-patient settings with the following inclusion criteria: patient had PCI or CABG &amp;gt;10 years ago, age &amp;gt;18 years at the time of the index CR, and availability of data of currently used medications. Results Of 892 patients enrolled, 600 (67.3%) had PCI and 292 (32.7%) had CABG. Patients had CR &amp;gt;20 years ago (100; 11.2%), 11–19 years ago (536; 60.1%) or 10 years ago (256; 28.7%). Women comprised 13.8% of the whole cohort, and mean age at index CR was 53.4+9.4 years. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were present in 398 (44.6%), 351 (39.3%) and 290 (32.5%), respectively at the time of CR. Overall, aspirin was used in 745 (83.5%), and a second APA in 329 (36.9%). Statins, BB and RASI were used in 83.7%, 71.7% and 54.3%, respectively. Univariate analysis of predictors of lower rates of use of these medications showed that survival time (10 years vs. &amp;gt;20 years), and revascularization type (PCI vs. CABG) had no impact on use of these medications. However, nondiabetics were less often prescribed second APA (odds ratio (OR) 0.78, p=0.005) and RASI (OR 0.85, p=0.007) compared with diabetics. Furthermore, compared with men, women were less often prescribed aspirin (OR 0.66, p&amp;lt;0.0001), statin (OR 0.67, p&amp;lt;0.0001), BB (OR 0.71, p=0.005), and RASI (OR 0.79, p=0.005). Conclusion Middle East patients surviving at least one decade after coronary revascularization have a high rate of utilization of secondary cardiovascular medications compared with western data. However, women and non-diabetic individuals have lower rate of use of these medications compared with diabetics and men, respectively. Larger studies are warranted to explore the reasons behind these discrepancies and thus represent potential targets for positive intervention. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

One-year outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in native coronary arteries versus bypass grafts in patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Abstract Background Patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery often require percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data are still limited in regards to the outcomes of native versus graft PCI after CABG. Methods We performed a retrospective study in a tertiary reference cardiac centre of consecutive patients who underwent PCI after CABG. The data were collected for patients who underwent either native or graft PCI from January 2008 to December 2018. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) included death or myocardial infarction (MI) or revascularization. All outcomes were assessed at 1-year after each index procedure. Results A total of 445 PCI were performed in 410 patients (209 had native PCI and 201 had graft PCI). The groups of patients with native vessel PCI and graft PCI were statistically comparable regarding their baseline characteristics. In multivariable Cox regression graft PCI relative to native PCI was an independent risk factor for MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.818, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.148–2.878). Conclusion Compared with native coronary PCI, bypass graft PCI was significantly associated with higher incidence of MACE at 1-year and this was mainly driven by MI and revascularization. MACE outcomes Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Impact of periprocedural myocardial infarction on 10-year mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass grafting for multivessel or left main coronary artery disease

Abstract Background Periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) occurs frequently after both percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and bypass grafting surgery (CABG) in patients with complex coronary artery disease (CAD), and PMI has been shown to have a detrimental impact on mortality. On the other hand, long-term impact of PMI on mortality has not been fully evaluated. Purpose This study aimed to assess the impact of PMI according to SCAI definition on 10-year all-cause death in patients with complex CAD. Methods The SYNTAX Extended Survival (SYNTAXES) study evaluated vital status up to 10 years in 1800 patients with de novo three-vessel disease and/or left main coronary artery disease randomized to treatment with CABG or PCI in the SYNTAX trial. Blood was sampled for creatine kinase (CK) pre- and post-revascularisation, and the cardiac specific MB iso-enzyme (CK-MB) was determined only if the CK ratio ≥2 x the upper limit of normal (ULN). If the CK ratio &amp;lt;2 ULN, CK-MB assessment was not mandated. In this analysis, patients with at least one blood sampling within 48 hours of the procedure were included. PMI was defined as follows; peak CK-MB measured within 48 hours of the procedure ≥10 x ULN, or ≥5 x ULN with new Q-waves in 2 contiguous leads or new persistent left bundle branch block. Results Of 1800 patients, 1679 (93.2%) patients were included. Of 877 patients treated with PCI, PMI occurred in 26 patients (3.0%), whereas 14 (1.7%) PMIs were observed in 802 patients treated with CABG. Compared with patients without PMI, patients with PMI presented with unstable angina more frequently (45.0% vs. 28.7, p=0.033), and had a higher rate of bifurcation lesion (87.5% vs. 72.5, p=0.046). PMI was associated with a higher all-cause mortality at 10 years compared with no PMI (55.3% vs. 25.4%; Log-rank p&amp;lt;0.001, Figure), which was mainly driven by a high mortality rate within 1 year. In patients undergoing PCI, the mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with PMI not only within 1 year (Log-rank p&amp;lt;0.001) but also beyond one year (Log-rank p=0.016), compare to patients without PMI (Figure). On the other hand, in patients undergoing CABG, a higher mortality rate in patients with PMI was observed until 1 year (Log-rank p&amp;lt;0.001), but the impact of PMI on mortality beyond one year after CABG subsided (Log-rank p=0.308) (Figure 1). Conclusion PMI was associated with a poor prognosis at 10 years. The impact of PMI on mortality was strong within one year. Of note, the impact of PMI on mortality persisted beyond 1 year only in patients undergoing PCI. Patients who were treated with PCI and suffered PMI need careful follow-up beyond one year after revascularization. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Mortality benefit of coronary angioplasty vs. conservative strategy in patients with prior coronary artery bypass surgery presenting with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been excluded or under-represented in many of the trials of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) vs. conservative strategy in the management of patients presenting with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Therefore, limited data supports the use of PCI in this context. Given the higher risk profile of these patients, clinicians may default to a conservative strategy given the lack of evidence of benefit of PCI. Our institution consists of one PCI and one non-PCI acute site and serves a population of 500 000 including a uniquely high proportion of the elderly with a high follow up rate and an ideal, interesting population to study with many patients offered a conservative strategy. Methodology Patients who presented over a 5 year period from Jan 2012 to Dec 2017 with NSTEMI and prior CABG were identified from Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP) returns. Hospital records were reviewed to exclude patients with type 2 MI and ST elevation MI. We identified patients who were managed conservatively or with PCI and assessed outcomes at the end pf December 2019, giving a follow up range of 2–7 years. The primary outcome was all cause death or myocardial infarction. Secondary outcome measures included readmission at 30 days and 1 year, angina, need for revascularisation. Results 206 patients were identified (mean age 77.7y, 26% female) of whom 107 were managed medically and 99 underwent angiography. 74 (36%) of patients were admitted to the non-interventional site, of which 27 patients underwent angiography. Overall, 48 (23%) went on to have PCI (only 7% of patients from the non-PCI site). 29 patients had PCI to the native coronaries, 16 to a bypass graft and the remainder to both. Age and clinical frailty score (CFS) was significantly higher in patients managed conservatively. The primary end point occurred in a high proportion of patients (124, 74.6%) consisting of 28 MI and 96 deaths during the follow up period. Age at presentation, clinical frailty score (CFS), presence of heart failure and absence of statin use were were significantly associated with the primary outcome. There was a significant difference in the primary outcome in patients managed conservatively (113/158; 72%) compared to those who had PCI (11/48; 23%), P&amp;lt;0.001. Conclusion PCI in NSTEMI patients with prior CABG is significantly associated with improved survival and less myocardial infarction compared to a conservative strategy in this retrospective audit of our patient population, but PCI patients are younger and less frail, which, in themselves, could suggest treatment bias and might confer a survival benefit. PCI rates varied significantly when patients were assessed in non-interventional acute site compared to a PCI site which has important implications for service provision. A large-scale randomised control trial is warranted to guide best practice. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Feasibility and safety of minimally invasive cardiac coronary artery bypass grafting surgery for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease: Early outcome and short-mid-term follow up results

To explore the feasibility, safety and mid-term outcome of minimally invasive cardiac surgery coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) surgery. Data of patients who underwent MICS CABG between November 2015 and November 2017 in Peking University Third Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Results were compared with the patients who underwent off-pump coronary aortic bypass grafting (OPCABG) surgery over the same period. The two groups were matched in propensity score matching method according to age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, body mass index, severity of coronary artery disease, smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, renal insufficiency, history of cerebrovascular accident, and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There were 85 patients in MICS CABG group, including 68 males (80.0%) and 17 females (20%), with an average age of (63.8±8.7) years; 451 patients were enrolled in OPCABG group, and 85 patients were matched by propensity score as control group (OPCABG group). There was no significant difference in general clinical characteristics (P>0.05). The average grafts of MICS CABG and OPCABG were 2.35±0.83 and 2.48±0.72 respectively (P=0.284). No conversion to thoracotomy in MICS CABG group or cardiopulmonary bypass in neither group occurred. There was no significant difference in the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACCEs, 1.17% vs. 3.52%), reoperation (2.34 vs. 3.52%), new-onset atrial fibrillation rate (4.70% vs. 3.52%) or new-onset renal insufficiency rate (1.17% vs. 0%) between MICS CABG group and OPCABG group (P>0.05). The operation time in MICS CABG group was longer than that in OPCABG group [(282.8±55.8) min vs. (246.8±56.9) min, P < 0.05], while the time of ventilator supporting(16.9 h vs. 29.6 h), hospitalization in ICU [(29.3±20.8) h vs. (51.5±48.3) h] and total hospitalization [(18.3±3.2) d vs. (25.7±4.2) d] in MICS CABG group were shorter than those in OPCABG group (P < 0.05). The total patency rate (A+B levels) of MICS CABG was 96.5% after surgery. There was no significant difference in MACCEs rate between the two groups [1.18%(1/85) vs. 3.61%(3/83), P>0.05] in 1-year follow up. The MICS CABG surgery is a safe and feasible procedure with good clinical results in early and mid-term follow-up.

Prehabilitation before elective coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a scoping review protocol.

The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map existing preoperative interventions, referred to as prehabilitation, in adult patients at home awaiting coronary bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. This scoping review also seeks to examine the feasibility and patient experiences in order to inform clinical practice and underpin a future systematic review. As patients age, comorbidities become more common. Strategies to improve postoperative outcomes and to accelerate recovery are required in patients undergoing CABG. Prehabilitation refers to a proactive process of increasing functional capacity before surgery to improve the patient's capacity to withstand upcoming physiologic stress and thus avoid postoperative complications. This scoping review will consider any studies including adult patients at home awaiting CABG surgery. Studies will provide information on any prehabilitation intervention to optimize preoperative physical and psychological health status. Studies conducted in any setting will be included. The methodology will follow the JBI recommendations for scoping reviews. Any published or unpublished source of information will be considered. Studies published in English, German, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian will be included, with no geographical or cultural limitations. Retrieved papers will be screened by two independent reviewers, and a standardized tool will be used to extract data from each included source. The results will be presented as a map of the data extracted in a tabular form together with a narrative summary to provide a description of the existing evidence.

The predictive value of intraoperative transit-time flow measurement parameters for early graft failure in different target territories

BackgroundEarly graft failure can affect the short- and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting surgery (CABG). The aim of our study was to explore the predictive value of transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) parameters for early graft failure (before discharge) after CABG in different coronary territories and calculate the TTFM cut-off values. MethodsWe analyzed a total of 761 grafts (360 patients) that were evaluated by intraoperative TTFM and computed tomography angiography prior to discharge. Logistic model was established to detect the parameters of TTFM to predict early graft failure and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to calculate the cut-off values. ResultsThe overall early graft failure was 3.5%. The results demonstrated that compared with off-pump CABG, mean graft flow volume was higher (28.0 vs 21.0 mL/min, p = 0.000), but pulse index (PI) (2.3 vs 2.5, p = 0.049) and diastolic flow fraction (DF) (68.0% vs 71.0%, p = 0.001) were lower in on-pump CABGs. DF (73.0% vs 65.5%, p = 0.000) of arterial grafts was higher than that of venous grafts. DF (72.0% vs 62.0%, p = 0.000) in left was higher than that in the right coronary artery territories. The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that not only in the overall (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.07–1.30, p = 0.001), but also the left (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.41, p = 0.017) and right (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.29, p = 0.017) coronary artery target territories, PI was a risk factor for early graft failure and the cut-off value was 3.4, 3.4, and 3.6, respectively. For grafts in left target territories, the results showed that DF (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97, p = 0.000) just in the univariate analysis was a risk factor that affected graft failure. ConclusionsThe overall early graft failure was about 3.5%. High PI value is a risk factor for early graft failure in not only overall grafts but in grafts of different target territories. DF might be more useful for the quality evaluation of grafts in left than in right target territories.

Elevated preoperative C reactive protein level as an independent risk factor for mortality after coronary bypass graft surgery

Introduction Perioperative risk estimation score systems used in cardiac surgical daily practice contains variables about preoperative laboratory parameters. C reactive protein was studied as a potential risk factor in cardiovascular/coronary artery diseases (CAD). We aimed to identify the relationship between the preoperative C reactive protein level and surgical patients postoperative mortality. Methods Current study was performed in a cardiac surgery center at Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. During a retrospective analysis patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery were examined between 2009 and 2019. Routine preoperative patient and laboratory parameters, basic surgical variables were collected. The effect of preoperative C reactive protein and overall mortality was observed as primary outcome. After descriptive statistics clustering was performed. Low CRP level was coded below 1,99, normal between 2 and 4,99, elevated between 5 and 9,99 and high above 10mg/L. Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier method) and Cox-regression were performed using clusters. Results Totally 1010 patients were enrolled, 75.2% were male. Median age was 66 years (IQR: 61-72ys), the median follow-up time was 899 days (IQR: 482-1473 days). During follow-up 144 patients (14.26%) has died. Elective surgery was 26.34%, urgent 57.03% and acute/rescue 16.63% of the cases. According to CRP level: 43.66% was low, 29.90% normal, 13.37% elevated and 13.03% high. In the aspect of survival there was a significant difference between normal and elevated (p=0.002) and normal and high (p Discussion Even the mildly elevated preoperative C reactive protein level could be an independent risk factor in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Consideration of the preoperative CRP level could be a useful supplement to general risk estimation score systems.

Impact of Peri-Procedural Myocardial Infarction on Outcomes After Revascularization

BackgroundNumerous definitions for peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary bypass grafting (CABG) surgery exist. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the PMI rates according to various definitions, their clinically relevant association with all-cause mortality at 10 years, and their impact on composite endpoints at 5 years in the SYNTAXES (Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery Extended Survival) trial. MethodsPMI was classified as a myocardial infarction occurring within 48 h of the procedure according to definitions of the SYNTAX (TAXUS Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Narrowed Arteries), ISCHEMIA (International Study Of Comparative Health Effectiveness With Medical And Invasive Approaches), and EXCEL (Evaluation of XIENCE versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization) trials; the Fourth Universal Definition of MI; and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI). Of the 1,800 patients enrolled, 1,652 with creatine kinase and/or creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) post-procedure were included. The association between PMI and mortality was analyzed by Cox regression. ResultsPMI rates according to the SYNTAX and Fourth Universal Definition of MI, both of which required CK-MB elevation and electrocardiographic evidence of permanent myocardial damage, were 2.7% and 3.0%, respectively, in the PCI arm versus 2.4% and 2.1%, respectively, in the CABG arm. PMI rates according to the SCAI or EXCEL definition were higher in the PCI (5.7%) and CABG (16.5%) arms. PMIs according to the SYNTAX and Fourth Universal Definition of MI were more strongly associated with mortality than EXCEL and SCAI PMIs defined by isolated enzyme elevation when CK-MB was more than 10 times ULN. The impact of these “enzyme-driven events” on time-to-event curves and the composite endpoints was greater in the surgical cohort. PMIs after PCI were associated with 10-year mortality regardless of definition, whereas their impact on mortality after CABG was limited to 1 year. ConclusionsThe rates of PMI are highly dependent on their definition, which affects time-to-event curves, composite endpoints, and their lethal prognostic relevance. (Synergy Between PCI With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery: SYNTAX Extended Survival [SYNTAXES]; NCT03417050; SYNTAX Study: TAXUS Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Narrowed Arteries [SYNTAX]; NCT00114972)

Left coronary artery calcification patterns after coronary bypass graft surgery: An in-vivo optical coherence tomography study.

We sought to evaluate the severity and patterns of calcifications in the left main coronary artery (LMCA) and proximal segments of left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and left circumflex artery (LCX) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with and without prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). CABG may accelerate upstream calcium development. OCT images (n=76) of the LMCA bifurcation from either the LAD or LCX in 76 patients with at least one patent left coronary graft, on average 7.0 ± 5.6 years post-CABG, were compared with 148 OCT images in propensity-score-matched non-CABG controls. Minimum lumen areas in the LMCA, LAD, and LCX in post-CABG patients were smaller than non-CABG controls. Maximum calcium arc and thickness as well as calcium length were greater in the LMCA and LCX, but not in the LAD in post-CABG patients versus non-CABG controls. Calcium located at the carina of a bifurcation, calcified nodules (CN), thin intimal calcium, and lobulated calcium were more prevalent in post-CABG patients. After adjusting for multiple covariates, prior CABG was an independent predictor of calcification at the carina of a bifurcation (odds ratio [OR] 5.77 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.5-21.6]), thin intimal calcium (4.7 [1.5-14.4]), and the presence of a CN (15.60 [3.2-76.2]). Prior CABG is associated with greater amount of calcium in the LMCA and the proximal LCX, as well as higher prevalence of atypical calcium patterns, including CN, thin or lobulated calcium, and calcifications located at the carina of a bifurcation, compared with non-CABG controls.

Transfemoral Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement

A 75-year-old man presented with New York Heart Association functional class III dyspnea, edema, and fatigue. His history included coronary bypass graft surgery and atrial fibrillation. Echocardiography demonstrated torrential tricuspid regurgitation with leaflet tethering and a 15-mm coaptation gap

Blood flow assessment by transit time flow measurement and its prognostic impact in coronary bypass surgery.

The competitive coronary flow is influenced by the severity of the stenosis and may affect graft patency. Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) enables intraoperative graft evaluation and cardiac magnetic resonance (MRI) allows for graft evaluation during follow-up. Competitive flow and target vessel diameters were determined in 35 patients undergoing off-pump coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) and correlated to TTFM. Cardiac function, ischemia, and graft flow were evaluated using cardiac MRI during the follow-up period to determine the impact of above-mentioned parameters on graft patency. Competitive flow led to reduced mean graft flow (MGF) and increased pulsatility index (PI) in arterial grafts. This effect to was not observed in veins. Smaller target coronary arteries (<1.5 mm) were associated with reduced MGF, more pronounced in veins, which presented increased PI and shortened diastolic flow fraction (DF). No death and no re-hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome occurred. Borderline values of TTFM (mean MGF 13±4 mL/min; PI 3.8±1) in left internal mammary artery (LIMA) were mainly observed due to increased native anterior descending artery (LAD) flow. These LAD's collateralized occluded right coronaries (RCA). The corresponding LIMA to LAD grafts showed a bypass flow increase at cardiac MRI follow-up. Two graft occlusions occurred: one in LIMA-to-LAD bypass with borderline TTFM, which did not collateralize the RCA and one in a vein graft with borderline TTFM bypassed on a narrow vascular target. Competitive flow has an impact on arteries contrary to veins. Veins are at risk for occlusion when grafted to smaller targets. Borderline LIMA flow should be considered as potentially dangerous, if satisfactory explanations are missing, e.g. in the absence of a large coronary target without flow competition.

Comparison of Coronary Bypass Grafting Surgery with Carotid Endarterectomy and Coronary Bypass Grafting Surgery

Introduction: Treatment of combined coronary artery surgery (CABG) and severe carotid artery stenosis is still controversial. The decision of surgical priority can change according to the severity of the coronary artery disease or carotid artery disease at staged surgery. The aim of the study is to compare the outcomes of simultaneous surgery (CEA + CABG) and CABG alone at our department. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the CABG and CEA + CABG patients which were performed between 2010 and 2015. If the patients had simultaneous another operation, they were excluded from the study. A total of 294 patients (252 CABG patients and 42 combined surgery patients), were retrospectively examined. Results: Two patients in CABG group and two patients in CABG + CEA group developed stroke. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of early stroke rate (p > 0.05). One patient in CEA + CABG group and three patients in CABG group died. The average carotid clamp time was 19.93 ± 5.06 minutes. Aortic clamp times were 42.89 ± 6.38 minutes in CABG and 42.81 ± 5.70 minutes in CEA + CABG patients. Results of the two groups were similar. Conclusion: Combined CEA and CABG can be performed successfully and safely in patients.

Comparison of the Apoptotic Effects of Topically Applied Papaverine, Diltiazem, and Nitroprusside to Internal Thoracic Artery.

Objective To detect and to compare the apoptotic effects of intraoperatively topically applied diltiazem, papaverine, and nitroprusside.Methods Internal thoracic artery segments of ten patients were obtained during coronary bypass grafting surgery. Each internal thoracic artery segment was divided into four pieces and immersed into four different solutions containing separately saline (Group S), diltiazem (Group D), papaverine (Group P), and nitroprusside (Group N). Each segment was examined with both hematoxylin-eosin and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method in order to determine and quantify apoptosis.Results Apoptotic cells were counted in 50 microscopic areas of each segment. No significant difference was observed among the four groups according to hematoxylin-eosin staining. However, the TUNEL method revealed a significant increase in mean apoptotic cells in the diltiazem group when compared with the other three groups (Group S=4.25±1.4; Group D=13.31±2.8; Group N=9.48±2.09; Group P=10.75±2.37). The differences between groups were significant (P=0.0001). No difference was observed between the samples of the diabetic and non-diabetic patients in any of the study groups.Conclusion The benefit of topically applied vasodilator drugs must outweigh the potential adverse effects. In terms of apoptosis, diltiazem was found to have the most deleterious effects on internal thoracic artery graft segments. Of the analyzed medical agents, nitroprusside was found to have the least apoptotic activity, followed by papaverine. Diabetes did not have significant effect on the occurrence of apoptosis in left internal thoracic artery grafts.