Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
Published on: January 28, 2020
Predictors and Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Ankit Agrawal1, Umesh Bhagat2, Akash Sharma3
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
Insights
Pulmonary embolism (PE) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) increases 30-day readmission and mortality. Early detection and prevention strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in these high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
- The impact of PE on short-term outcomes like readmission and mortality post-CABG is not well understood.
- Improved risk stratification and early detection are needed for post-CABG patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between PE and 30-day readmission and mortality following isolated CABG.
- To identify risk factors for developing PE within 30 days of CABG.
- To identify risk factors for mortality in CABG patients who experience PE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the Nationwide Readmission Database (2016-2021).
- Identification of patients undergoing isolated CABG with 30-day readmission for PE using ICD-10 codes.
- Comparison of patient characteristics and outcomes between PE and non-PE groups.
- Multivariable logistic regression to determine risk factors for PE and mortality.
Main Results:
- Patients with PE had higher rates of female sex and obesity, but lower rates of hypertension and diabetes.
- PE was associated with significantly increased 30-day mortality (OR 1.45, P=0.04).
- PE following CABG is linked to elevated 30-day readmission and mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary embolism following CABG significantly increases the risk of 30-day readmission and mortality.
- Enhanced risk stratification, early detection, and targeted prevention strategies are essential for post-CABG PE patients.
- Further research should focus on optimizing perioperative care to mitigate PE risks and improve survival.
Abstract:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) can be a life-threatening complication following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). However, the impact of PE on short-term outcomes such as readmission and mortality remains poorly characterized. The Nationwide Readmission Database 2016 to 2021 was queried to identify patients with isolated CABG who were readmitted with PE within 30 days. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10th Revision Clinical Modification and Procedure Coding System codes were used to identify the cohort. Rates and patient characteristics were compared between post-CABG patients with and without PE. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for PE within 30 days of isolated CABG, as well as risk factors for mortality in these patients. Patients with PE had a higher prevalence of female sex (32.7% vs 30.7%, P = .04) and obesity (25.7% vs 22.3%, P < .001), but lower rates of hypertension and diabetes. Thirty-day mortality was higher in PE patients in univariable (Odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-2.05, P = .002) and multivariable analyses (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.00-2.11, P = .04). PE following CABG is associated with increased 30-day readmission and mortality. These findings underscore the need for improved risk stratification, early detection, and targeted prevention strategies in the postoperative period.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:27Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care