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[CABG in 2 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction]

A Yamaguchi1, A Mizuhara, H Ide

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Jichi Medical School, Omiya Medical Center.

Insights

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be considered for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (EF 16%) experiencing rest chest pain and myocardial ischemia. While one patient improved, another unfortunately died from multiple organ failure post-CABG.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery

Background:

  • Severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction 16%) poses significant risks for cardiac surgical procedures.
  • Patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and refractory angina despite medical management require consideration for revascularization.

Observation:

  • Two patients with ejection fraction of 16% underwent coronary artery bypass grafting due to rest chest pain and SPECT-confirmed myocardial ischemia.
  • Surgical candidacy was pursued irrespective of the severely impaired left ventricular function.

Findings:

  • The postoperative course was complicated in both patients.
  • One patient experienced significant improvement, remaining asymptomatic from chest pain post-discharge.
  • The second patient unfortunately succumbed to multiple organ failure.

Implications:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting may be a viable option for select patients with extremely low ejection fraction and active ischemia.
  • Careful patient selection and management are crucial given the high-risk nature of such interventions.
  • Outcomes can be variable, highlighting the need for further research into risk stratification and optimization strategies for this patient cohort.

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