New nomenclature and computerized programme of graphics for the description and recording of aortocoronary bypasses

In the process of drawing up a computerized operation reporting system, a nomenclature for the precise description of recently fitted or existing aortocoronary bypasses has been developed. This is based on a sequence of letters showing in one line which type of bypass has been fitted, the graft material used, the central anastomosis (source) as well as the peripheral anastomoses on the coronary arteries (objective). For this purpose, abbreviations of the customary terms in use in cardiac surgery have been used. A computer graphics programme has been created in parallel, enabling all bypasses (existing and/or new) to be sketched into the diagram of a heart with the aid of a mouse. The bypass nomenclature is automatically generated from the diagram, which can also be printed out as a sketch of the operation. The complete diagram of the heart plus data input forms enable the operation report to be compiled automatically. The nomenclature and the graphics programme are easily learnt, simplify work, can readily be incorporated into a computerized hospital organization and enhance documentation quality.