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Transit time flow measurements in coronary surgery: the experience from a new center in Bosnia
Emir Mujanovic1, Emir Kabil, Mehdin Hadziselimovic
1Cardiovascular Clinic, University Clinical Center--Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia Herzegovina.
Insights
Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) is a vital tool for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) quality assurance. This study shows TTFM helps ensure graft patency, leading to successful surgical revascularization outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Technology
Background:
- A cardiovascular center in Tuzla, Bosnia Herzegovina performed 440 coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures within its first three years.
- Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) was the primary surgical revascularization technique emphasized.
- Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) was routinely employed to assess graft patency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the flowmetry results of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures in the Tuzla population.
- To evaluate the utility of Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) in assessing graft patency during CABG.
Main Methods:
- Patients were evaluated for both on-pump (ONCAB) and off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) procedures.
- Approximately 60% of procedures were performed as ONCAB, with the remainder as OPCAB.
- Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) was applied to all grafts in all patients.
Main Results:
- Eighteen patients required conversion from OPCAB to ONCAB.
- Graft revision was necessary for 1.8% of all grafts performed.
- All revised grafts demonstrated patency upon wound closure, indicating successful intervention.
Conclusions:
- Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) is considered a crucial tool in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- TTFM provides a reliable and cost-effective method for quality assurance in coronary revascularization procedures.
Background:
A new cardiovascular center in Tuzla, Bosnia Herzegovina was opened for cardiac procedures in September 1998. In the first three years of operation, a total of 440 coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures were performed there. Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) was emphasized as the main tool for surgical revascularization. Transit time flow measurement (TTFM) was used routinely to check graft patency. The purpose of this paper is to report on flowmetry results in the Tuzla CABG population.
Methods:
All patients were considered candidates for both on-pump (ONCAB) and off-pump (OPCAB) CABG procedures. Approximately 60% of the procedures were performed as ONCAB and the rest as OPCAB. For all patients, TTFM was performed on all grafts.
Results:
Eighteen patients were converted from OPCAB to ONCAB. Revision was required for 1.8% of the grafts. All grafts were successfully revised and were patent at the time of wound closure.
Conclusion:
We believe that TTFM is a crucial tool in CABG. It offers a reliable and inexpensive tool for quality assurance in coronary revascularization.