Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2025
Evaluation of a Novel Laser-assisted Coronary Anastomotic Connector - the Trinity Clip - in a Porcine Off-pump Bypass Model
Published on: November 24, 2014
Impact of epiaortic ultrasound utilization in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Sarah Yousef1, Ibrahim Sultan2, Floyd Thoma3
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Insights
Epiaortic ultrasound did not significantly reduce stroke rates after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). While stroke rates were lower with its use (0.8% vs. 1.4%), this difference was not statistically significant in this study.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Neurology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) carries a risk of postoperative stroke.
- Aortic calcification is a known risk factor for stroke during CABG.
- Epiaortic ultrasound is used to assess aortic calcification intraoperatively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if intraoperative epiaortic ultrasound assessment of aortic calcification impacts postoperative stroke rates in patients undergoing isolated CABG.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 10,049 patients undergoing isolated CABG from 2010-2023.
- Patients were divided into two groups: those who received epiaortic ultrasound and those who did not.
- Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression were used to analyze stroke and mortality rates, respectively.
Main Results:
- Postoperative stroke occurred in 0.8% of patients with epiaortic ultrasound versus 1.4% without (P=0.08).
- Epiaortic ultrasound use was not independently associated with a reduced odds of postoperative stroke (OR, 0.62; P=0.12).
- No significant association was found between epiaortic ultrasound use and mortality (HR, 1.14; P=0.12).
Conclusions:
- The study did not find a statistically significant independent association between epiaortic ultrasound use and reduced postoperative stroke after CABG.
- Postoperative stroke was significantly associated with an increased hazard of death.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the role of epiaortic ultrasound in mitigating stroke risk during CABG.
Objective:
To assess whether the use of epiaortic ultrasound for assessment of aortic calcification impacts the rate of postoperative stroke following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Methods:
This was a retrospective study using an institutional database of CABGs performed from 2010 to 2023. All patients undergoing isolated index CABG were included. Patients were dichotomized according to the use of epiaortic ultrasound for intraoperative aortic assessment. Postoperative stroke rates were compared, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed for postoperative stroke. Cox regression was performed for the multivariable analysis of mortality.
Results:
A total of 10,049 patients underwent isolated index CABG. Intraoperative epiaortic ultrasound was used in 1572 (15.6%) of these patients. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons predicted risk of stroke was 1% and did not differ between the 2 study groups. Postoperative stroke occurred in 13 patients in the epiaortic ultrasound group (0.8%) versus 116 patients in the group in which epiaortic ultrasound was not used (1.4%; P = .08). On multivariable logistic regression, the use of epiaortic ultrasound was not associated with a reduced odds of postoperative stroke (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-1.14; P = .12). Epiaortic ultrasound use was also not significantly associated with hazards of mortality on Cox regression (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; 95% CI, 0.94-1.38; P = .12). Postoperative stroke was significantly associated with an increased hazard of death (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.61-3.14; P < .001).
Conclusions:
Stroke rates after CABG were 0.8% with the use of epiaortic ultrasound and 1.4% without the use of epiaortic ultrasound. The current study did not find an independent association between epiaortic ultrasound use and postoperative stroke.
More Related Videos
13:48Reduction of Radiation Exposure during Endovascular Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease Combining Fiber Optic RealShape Technology and Intravascular Ultrasound
Published on: April 21, 2023
07:12Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Related Concept Videos
01:17Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System II:Types of Echocardiography
Types of Echocardiography
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)
TTE is the most common type of echocardiogram which involves placing a transducer on the patient's chest, emitting sound waves to create heart images. TTE is invaluable for evaluating the heart's size, structure, and motion, making it particularly useful for...