Advanced statistical methods for hazard modeling in cardiothoracic surgery: a comprehensive review of techniques and approaches.

ABSTRACT

Hazard modeling in cardiothoracic surgery, crucial for understanding patient outcomes, utilizes survival analysis like the Cox proportional hazards model. Kaplan-Meier curves are employed in survival analysis to represent the probability of survival over time. While Cox assumes proportional hazards, the Fine-Gray model deals with competing risks. Parametric models (e.g., Weibull) specify survival distributions, unlike Cox. Bayesian analysis integrates prior knowledge with data. Machine learning, including decision trees and support vector machines, enhances risk prediction by analyzing extensive datasets. However, it is important to note that whatever new approaches one may adopt will enhance the quality of risk assessment and not the risk assessment as such. Preprocessing is vital for data quality in complex cardiovascular datasets, alongside robust validation methods like cross-validation for model reliability across patient cohorts.