Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
Author Spotlight: Enhancing Coronary Artery Revascularization
Published on: September 15, 2023
Right ventricular dysfunction and associated factors in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting
Madjid Chinikar1, Mohammad Rafiee2, Mohammadreza Aghajankhah3
1Associate Professor, Healthy Heart Research Center AND Heshmat Hospital, Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
Insights
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery can lead to right ventricle (RV) dysfunction, impacting exercise capacity. Monitoring RV function post-CABG is crucial for patient recovery and long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common treatment for coronary artery disease (CAD).
- While beneficial, CABG can lead to complications such as right ventricle (RV) dysfunction.
- RV dysfunction can negatively impact patient longevity and functional capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between RV dysfunction and physical capacity after CABG.
- To explore the association between RV dysfunction and inferior vena cava (IVC) size.
- To assess changes in RV function and exercise capacity at different time points post-CABG.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 61 CABG candidates.
- Echocardiographic assessment of RV function (TAPSE, Tei Index, Sm) and IVC size pre-CABG, 1 week, and 6 months post-CABG.
- Functional capacity evaluated using the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) at 6 months post-CABG.
Main Results:
- Significant incidence of RV dysfunction observed 1 week (up to 81%) and 6 months (up to 49%) post-CABG.
- Patients with RV dysfunction demonstrated significantly reduced exercise capacity (6-MWT distance).
- Older age and more extensive coronary artery disease were also associated with reduced exercise capacity.
Conclusions:
- CABG is associated with a significant reduction in RV function and exercise capacity.
- Cardiologists should prioritize RV assessment during follow-up for patients who have undergone CABG.
- Early detection and management of RV dysfunction may improve post-CABG outcomes.
Background:
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is widely accepted as a revascularization method for coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite survival benefit and improvement in quality of life, CABG may impose major morbidities and significant complications. Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction is an important complication that may affect patient's longevity and functional capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between RV dysfunction and some invisible parameters like inferior vena cava (IVC) size with physical capacity.
Methods:
In this prospective study, 61 eligible CABG candidates were enrolled and RV function was assessed by echocardiographic parameters before CABG and one week and six months after the procedure, using tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), Tei Index (TI), peak systolic movement (Sm) (cm/s), and IVC size. Functional capacity was assessed by six-minute walk test (6-MWT) 6 months after CABG.
Results:
58 patients who did not have any perioperative RV dysfunction were remained until the end of study; mean age was 58.2 ± 7.9 years with 68.9% being men, and 3 patients died after CABG. Preoperatively, septal motion, RV indices, and IVC size were normal in all patients. The frequency of RV dysfunction according to abnormal TAPSE index, TI, and peak Sm one week after surgery was 81.0%, 79.0%, and 62.0%, respectively, and 6 months after surgery was 49.0%, 49.0%, and 37.0%, respectively. Mean walked distance in 6-MWT was significantly less in patients with RV dysfunction, older age, and higher number of involved vessels (P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The significant reduction in RV function and impairment of exercise capacity after CABG in this study suggests cardiologists to pay more attention to RV assessment in follow-up visits of patients undergoing GABG.
More Related Videos
09:12Surgical Swine Model of Chronic Cardiac Ischemia Treated by Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Published on: March 27, 2018
13:10Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery ALCAPA
Published on: April 24, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
01:29Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures