Trends in isolated coronary artery bypass grafting over the last decade

Michel Kindo1, Tam Hoang Minh2, Stéphanie Perrier2

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospitals of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France michel.kindo@chru-strasbourg.fr.

Insights

Extensive arterial grafts in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) show good early results despite increased patient risk. This surgical approach is not linked to higher hospital mortality or sternal complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Cardiac Surgery Outcomes
  • Myocardial Revascularization

Background:

  • Patient risk profiles for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have increased over time.
  • Older patient demographics, diabetes, and prior percutaneous coronary intervention are more prevalent.
  • The EuroSCORE II, a measure of surgical risk, has significantly increased in recent years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of extensive myocardial revascularization using arterial grafts on hospital mortality and morbidity.
  • To compare outcomes in patients undergoing isolated CABG between two distinct time periods.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective perioperative database was used to compare two groups of isolated CABG patients.
  • Group A (2000-2003; 898 patients) and Group B (2009-2012; 1249 patients) were analyzed.
  • Baseline characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • The number of distal anastomoses, particularly with arterial grafts, significantly increased over time.
  • In-hospital mortality remained low and did not differ significantly between groups (1.3% vs 2.4%).
  • New-onset atrial fibrillation and deep sternal infection rates increased in the later group (Group B).

Conclusions:

  • Extensive myocardial revascularization with arterial grafts is associated with favorable early outcomes.
  • This approach is safe and effective even in patients with higher surgical risk profiles.
  • Extensive arterial grafting was not identified as a risk factor for hospital mortality or sternal morbidity.
Abstract