Changes in Right Ventricular Function After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a known predictor of adverse outcomes following cardiac surgery.
• Assessing RV function perioperatively is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in RV systolic and diastolic function in the perioperative period after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB).

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving 30 adult patients undergoing OPCAB at a tertiary care hospital.
• Transthoracic echocardiography performed preoperatively and postoperatively.
• Assessment of RV systolic function using TAPSE, S', FAC, RIMP, and IVA.
• Grading of RV diastolic function (RVDD) according to established guidelines.

Main Results:

• RV longitudinal systolic parameters (TAPSE, S') significantly decreased post-OPCAB (p < 0.001).
• RV global systolic function parameters (FAC, RIMP, IVA) remained preserved (p > 0.05).
• RV diastolic function grade worsened from normal to pseudo-normal (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• RV function can be effectively assessed perioperatively using echocardiography.
• Complementary global RV systolic parameters (FAC, RIMP, IVA) are essential alongside longitudinal measures for comprehensive assessment post-OPCAB.
• Significant worsening of RV diastolic function occurs after OPCAB.