APECx-Anaesthesia, Perfusion and Surgical Practices in Cardiac Surgery: Main Study Protocol of a Modular Multiphase...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Sciences
• Public Health

Background:

• Perioperative management in adult cardiac surgery shows significant variability globally.
• Current practices lack standardized data collection, hindering evidence-based improvements.
• Understanding regional differences is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe key clinical patient outcomes in adult cardiac surgery.
• To map global variations in anesthesia, perfusion, and surgical practices.
• To identify modifiable factors influencing outcomes and explore socioeconomic/sex-based differences.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, multicentre, international observational cohort study.
• Modular design allowing phased participation over 10 years.
• Biannual data collection of minimized datasets from consecutive eligible cases via electronic case report forms.

Main Results:

• Pilot study to assess feasibility and workload.
• Data collection focuses on ICU/hospital length of stay and in-hospital mortality (30-day follow-up).
• Study protocol approved; adherence to local regulations ensured.

Conclusions:

• APECx is a large-scale, modular, international study poised to standardize evidence-based cardiac surgery care.
• Minimizing site burden facilitates participation from diverse economic settings.
• The study will provide a global overview of perioperative practices and investigate specific evidence gaps.