ABSTRACT
Right ventricular catheterization may capture information that can help define prognosis before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this study, we evaluate the association between preoperative right heart catheterization parameters and outcomes of patients undergoing isolated CABG. All patients undergoing isolated CABG at our institution from 2013 to 2021 who also underwent preoperative right heart catheterization <14 days prior to isolated CABG were retrospectively queried. A total of 2343 patients underwent isolated CABG of whom 78 patients [20 (25.6%) female] were included in the final analysis. On multivariable regression, central venous pressure was significantly associated with operative mortality (odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.27, P = 0.024). Preoperative cardiac index was significantly inversely associated with intensive care unit length of stay (odds ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.62-0.84, P < 0.001) and duration of inotropic support (odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.63-0.92, P < 0.01). Assessment of preoperative cardiac function by right heart catheterization should be considered in high-risk patient populations, particularly those who have significant left ventricular dysfunction on preoperative echocardiography that would make them candidate for percutaneous coronary intervention, left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation. Further, right heart catheterization can help to guide preoperative optimization and intra-/postoperative decision-making.