Improvement of ejection fraction after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery in patients with impaired left

Ilirijana Haxhibeqiri-Karabdic1, Aida Hasanovic2, Emir Kabil3

  • 1Heart Center, Clinical Center of Sarajevo University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Insights

Coronary artery bypass grafting is safe for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. The procedure improves ejection fraction and quality of life in this high-risk group.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Heart Failure Management

Background:

  • Severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction with low ejection fraction (EF <35%) presents challenges for myocardial revascularization.
  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in these patients is controversial due to concerns about morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of CABG in patients with severe LV dysfunction and low EF.
  • To assess the impact of CABG on LV function and patient quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 40 patients with severe coronary artery disease and EF <35% who underwent CABG over three years.
  • Preoperative assessment included clinical evaluation, echocardiography (EHO), MRI, and cardiac catheterization.
  • Internal mammary artery was utilized in all cases.

Main Results:

  • The average patient age was 59.8 years, with 81.3% males.
  • The majority of patients had multi-vessel disease (42.5% three-vessel, 40% two-vessel).
  • Preoperative EF (18%-27%) improved significantly to 31.08% within 30 days post-CABG.

Conclusions:

  • CABG can be safely performed in patients with severe LV dysfunction.
  • The procedure leads to significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction.
  • Enhanced quality of life is observed post-revascularization in this patient cohort.
Abstract