Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
06:57

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects

Published on: February 12, 2021

3.8K

Effects of Cardiac Surgery on Duty Status in the Active Duty Military Population

Jada M Leahy1, Benjamin Hoagland1, Robert G Strange2

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708.

Military Medicine
|July 1, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Most military patients undergoing heart surgery, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve repair, can return to full duty. However, mechanical valve replacement significantly impacts military service readiness.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Military Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Limited research exists on cardiac surgery outcomes for active duty military personnel.
  • Military duty status involves unique constraints not present in civilian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of various cardiac surgeries on the duty status of active duty military patients.
  • To identify surgical procedures associated with a higher likelihood of returning to full military duty.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of active duty patients undergoing cardiac surgery from 2004-2011.
  • Analysis of final duty status: Return to Full Duty (RTFD), Medical Board Separation, or Retirement/Separation.
  • Surgical procedures included CABG, MVrep, BIOVALVE, MECHVALVE, and ASD/VSD.

Main Results:

  • 100% RTFD rate for mitral valve repair (MVrep), bioprosthetic valve replacement (BIOVALVE), and septal defect closure (ASD/VSD).
  • 83% RTFD rate for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
  • Only 23% RTFD rate for mechanical valve replacement (MECHVALVE).

Conclusions:

  • Most military patients undergoing MVrep, BIOVALVE, ASD/VSD, and CABG can expect to return to unrestricted active duty.
  • Mechanical valve replacement is associated with a low likelihood of return to military service.
  • Findings inform readiness assessments for military personnel undergoing cardiac surgery.

More Related Videos

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats07:31

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats

Published on: December 2, 2016

10.8K
Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery09:12

Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Published on: March 27, 2018

10.0K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
432
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
3.4K
Exercise and Cardiovascular Response01:20

Exercise and Cardiovascular Response

Exercise significantly impacts cardiovascular response, which is crucial for understanding patient health and designing effective treatment plans.
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
5.5K
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management01:26

Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

Nursing responsibilities before cardiac catheterization include:Assess for allergies and establish baseline health status.Before cardiac catheterization, assess the patient for allergies to contrast dye. Perform a comprehensive baseline assessment, including vital signs, heart and breath sounds, and a neurovascular assessment of the extremities, noting distal pulses, skin color, and temperature. Instruct the patient to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. Evaluate baseline laboratory...
1.1K
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
748
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance01:29

Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance

Typical heart performance is influenced by heart rate, rhythm, myocardial contraction, and metabolism or blood flow. The cardiac muscle exhibits distinct electrophysiological features, including pacemaker activity and calcium channel control, which play a vital role in the heart's response to various drugs. The autonomic nervous system, comprising the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, regulates heart rate. Sympathetic activation increases heart rate, while parasympathetic activation...
2.0K