Age, Renal Failure and Transfusion are Risk Predictors of Prolonged Hospital Stay after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery. / Idade, Insuficiência Renal e Transfusão são Preditores de Risco de Longa Permanência Hospitalar após Cirurgia de Revascularização do Miocárdio.

BACKGROUND: Identifying risk factors in cardiovascular surgery assists in predictability, resulting in optimization of outcomes and cost reduction. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk predictors for prolonged hospitalization after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis using data from the REPLICCAR II database, a prospective, consecutive, multicenter registry that included CABG surgeries performed between August 2017 and July 2019. The primary outcome was a prolonged hospital stay (PHS), defined as a postoperative period exceeding 14 days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors with significance set at p <0.05. RESULTS: The median age was 63 (57-70) years and 26.55% of patients were female. Among the 3703 patients analyzed, 228 (6.16%) had a PHS after CABG, with a median hospital stay of 17 (16-20) days. Predictors of PHS after CABG included age >60 years (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.43-2.87; p<0.001); renal failure (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.29-2.32; p <0.001) and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.07-2.06; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Age >60 years, renal failure, and intraoperative red blood cell transfusion were independent predictors of PHS after CABG. The identification of these variables can help in multiprofessional strategic planning aimed to enhance results and resource utilization in the state of São Paulo.

FUNDAMENTO: A identificação de fatores de riscos na cirurgia cardiovascular auxilia na previsibilidade resultando na otimização de desfechos e redução de custos. OBJETIVO: Identificação dos preditores de risco pré e intraoperatórios para internação prolongada após cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM) no Estado de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Análise transversal no banco de dados REPLICCAR II, registro prospectivo, consecutivo, multicêntrico que incluiu cirurgias de revascularização miocárdica realizadas entre agosto de 2017 e julho de 2019. O desfecho principal foi o tempo de internação prolongado, definida como período de pós-operatório superior a 14 (quatorze) dias. Para a identificação dos preditores foram realizadas análises de regressão logística uni- e multivariada. Os valores de p menores de 0,05 foram considerados significativos. RESULTADOS: A mediana de idade foi de 63 (57-70) anos e 26,55% eram do sexo feminino. Dos 3703 pacientes analisados, 228 (6,16%) apresentaram longa permanência hospitalar (LPH) após a CRM e a mediana da internação foi de 17 (16-20) dias. Foram preditores da LPH após a CRM: idade >60 anos (OR 2,05; IC95% 1,43 - 2,87; p<0,001); insuficiência renal (OR 1,73; IC95% 1,29 - 2,32; p<0,001) e transfusão de hemácias no intraoperatório (OR 1,32; IC 1,07 - 2,06; p=0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta análise, a idade > 60 anos, insuficiência renal e a transfusão de hemácias no intraoperatório foram preditores independentes de LPH após a CRM. A identificação destas variáveis pode ajudar no planejamento estratégico multiprofissional visando melhoria de resultados e otimização de recursos no estado de São Paulo.

Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting and Its Relationship with Hospital Complications in São Paulo State.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation is the main complication in the postoperative period of cardiovascular surgery. Its genesis is multifactorial, so its rapid identification to mitigate the associated risks is essential. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and its relationship with other complications in our setting. METHODS: This is a multicenter, observational study involving patients undergoing isolated CABG between 2017 and 2019 with data from the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (or REPLICCAR II). Variables were prospectively collected in REDCap following the definitions given by version 2.73 of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. Data were collected with prior authorization from the local ethics committee and analyses performed in R software. RESULTS: A total of 3,803 patients were included, of these 605 had postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF). In order to adjust the groups, propensity score matching was used. Such analyses resulted in 605 patients in each group (without POAF vs. with POAF). Among patients with POAF, the mean age was 67.56 years, with a prevalence of males (73.6%, 445 patients). Patients belonging to the group with POAF had a mortality rate of 9.26% (P=0.007), longer ventilation time (P<0.001), pneumonia (P<0.001), and sepsis (P<0.001). In multiple analysis, acute renal dysfunction (P=0.032) and longer intensive care unit stay (P<0,001) were associated with the presence of POAF. CONCLUSION: POAF in CABG is associated with longer intensive care unit and hospital stay, as well as renal dysfunction, pneumonia, and in-hospital mortality.

Difference Between Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time and Aortic Cross-Clamping Time as a Predictor of Complications After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: Along with cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time is directly related to the risk of complications after heart surgery. The influence of the time difference between cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times (TDC-C) remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass time in relation to cross-clamping time on immediate results after coronary artery bypass grafting in the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR) II. METHODS: Analysis of 3,090 patients included in REPLICCAR II database was performed. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons outcomes were evaluated (mortality, kidney failure, deep wound infection, reoperation, cerebrovascular accident, and prolonged ventilation time). A cutoff point was adopted, from which the increase of this difference would affect each outcome. RESULTS: After a cutoff point determination, all patients were divided into Group 1 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), Group 2 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.), Group 3 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), and Group 4 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.). After univariate logistic regression, Group 2 showed significant association with reoperation (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.66), stroke (odds ratio: 3.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.63), kidney failure (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-2.74), and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.60). CONCLUSION: TDC-C serves as a predictive factor for complications following coronary artery bypass grafting. We strongly recommend that future studies incorporate this metric to improve the prediction of complications.

Data-driven coaching to improve statewide outcomes in CABG: before and after interventional study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of quality improvement initiatives program (QIP) on coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG) remains scarce, despite improved outcomes in other surgical areas. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a package of QIP on mortality rates among patients undergoing CABG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study utilized data from the multicenter database Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular II (REPLICCAR II), spanning from July 2017 to June 2019. Data from 4018 isolated CABG adult patients were collected and analyzed in three phases: before-implementation, implementation, and after-implementation of the intervention (which comprised QIP training for the hospital team). Propensity Score Matching was used to balance the groups of 2170 patients each for a comparative analysis of the following outcomes: reoperation, deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis ≤30 days, cerebrovascular accident, acute kidney injury, ventilation time >24 h, length of stay <6 days, length of stay >14 days, morbidity and mortality, and operative mortality. A multiple regression model was constructed to predict mortality outcomes. RESULTS: Following implementation, there was a significant reduction of operative mortality (61.7%, P =0.046), as well as deep sternal wound infection/mediastinitis ( P <0.001), sepsis ( P =0.002), ventilation time in hours ( P <0.001), prolonged ventilation time ( P =0.009), postoperative peak blood glucose ( P <0.001), total length of hospital stay ( P <0.001). Additionally, there was a greater use of arterial grafts, including internal thoracic ( P <0.001) and radial ( P =0.038), along with a higher rate of skeletonized dissection of the internal thoracic artery. CONCLUSIONS: QIP was associated with a 61.7% reduction in operative mortality following CABG. Although not all complications exhibited a decline, the reduction in mortality suggests a possible decrease in failure to rescue during the after-implementation period.

Difference Between Cardiopulmonary Bypass Time and Aortic Cross-Clamping Time as a Predictor of Complications After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

ABSTRACT Introduction: Along with cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time is directly related to the risk of complications after heart surgery. The influence of the time difference between cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamping times (TDC-C) remains poorly understood. Objective: To assess the impact of cardiopulmonary bypass time in relation to cross-clamping time on immediate results after coronary artery bypass grafting in the Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR) II. Methods: Analysis of 3,090 patients included in REPLICCAR II database was performed. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons outcomes were evaluated (mortality, kidney failure, deep wound infection, reoperation, cerebrovascular accident, and prolonged ventilation time). A cutoff point was adopted, from which the increase of this difference would affect each outcome. Results: After a cutoff point determination, all patients were divided into Group 1 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), Group 2 (cardiopulmonary bypass time < 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.), Group 3 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C < 30 min.), and Group 4 (cardiopulmonary bypass time > 140 min., TDC-C > 30 min.). After univariate logistic regression, Group 2 showed significant association with reoperation (odds ratio: 1.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.66), stroke (odds ratio: 3.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.99-7.63), kidney failure (odds ratio: 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-2.74), and in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 2.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.30-3.60). Conclusion: TDC-C serves as a predictive factor for complications following coronary artery bypass grafting. We strongly recommend that future studies incorporate this metric to improve the prediction of complications.

Rivaroxaban versus warfarin in postoperative atrial fibrillation: Cost-effectiveness analysis in a single-center, randomized, and prospective trial.

Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation is the most common clinical complication after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. It is associated with a high risk of both stroke and death and increases the length of hospital stay and costs. This study aimed to evaluate anticoagulants in postoperative atrial fibrillation. Methods: A single-center, randomized, prospective, and open-label study. The trial was conducted in Heart Institute at University of São Paulo, Brazil. Patients who developed postoperative atrial fibrillation were randomized to anticoagulation with rivaroxaban or warfarin plus enoxaparin bridging. The primary objective was the cost-effectiveness evaluated by quality-adjusted life years, using the SF-6D questionnaire. The secondary end point was the combination of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, thromboembolic events, infections, bleeding, readmissions, and surgical reinterventions. The safety end point was any bleeding using the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis score. Follow-up period was 30 days after hospital discharge. Results: We analyzed 324 patients and 53 patients were randomized. The median cost-effectiveness was $1423.20 in the warfarin group versus $586.80 in the rivaroxaban group (P = .002). The median cost was lower in the rivaroxaban group, $450.20 versus $947.30 (P < .001). The secondary outcome was similar in both groups, 44.4% in warfarin group versus 38.5% in the rivaroxaban group (P = .65). Bleeding occured in 25.9% in the warfarin group versus 11.5% in the rivaroxaban group (P = .18). Conclusions: Rivaroxaban was more cost-effective when compared with warfarin associated with enoxaparin bridging in postoperative atrial fibrillation after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting.

Financial Impact of Deep Sternal Wound Infections After Coronary Surgery: A Microcosting Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) are so serious and costly that hospital services continue to strive to control and prevent these outcomes. Microcosting is the more accurate approach in economic healthcare evaluation, but there are no studies in this field applying this method to compare DSWI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to evaluate the incremental risk-adjusted costs of DSWI on isolated CABG. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-center observational cohort study with a propensity score matching for infected and non-infected patients to compare incremental risk-adjusted costs between groups. Data to homogeneity sample was obtained from a multicentric database, REPLICCAR II, and additional sources of information about costs were achieved with the electronic hospital system (Si3). Inflation variation and dollar quotation in the study period were corrected using the General Market Price Index. Groups were compared using analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression was performed to evaluate the cost drivers related to the event. RESULTS: As expected, infections were costly; deep infection increased the costs by 152% and mediastinitis by 188%. Groups differed among hospital stay, exams, medications, and multidisciplinary labor, and hospital stay costs were the most critical cost driver. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results demonstrate the incremental costs of a detailed microcosting evaluation of infections on CABG patients in São Paulo, Brazil. Hospital stay was an important cost driver identified, demonstrating the importance of evaluating patients' characteristics and managing risks for a faster, safer, and more effective discharge.

Extubation in the Operating Room After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Reduces Hospital Stay.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this analysis was to compare the effect of extubating in the operating room (OR) versus and the intensive care unit (ICU) among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis. SETTING: Ten cardiac referral hospitals in Latin America; participants of the São Paulo Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery II (REPLICCAR II). PARTICIPANTS: The database included a total of 4,015 patients who underwent primary and isolated CABG surgery and were ≥18 years old, of whom 205 patients were extubated in the OR. INTERVENTIONS: The analysis was made after a propensity score matching (PSM) adjustment in the population sample of patients extubated in the OR and ICU by the following variables: sex, age, body mass index, smoking, type of surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, preoperative atrial fibrillation, cardiopulmonary bypass time, preoperative creatinine, and preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: This study focused on the analysis of the ICU and hospital length of stay, need for reintubation, morbidity, and mortality. After PSM, 402 patients were analyzed. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics, such as age (p = 0.132), sex (p = 1.00), and estimated risk of prolonged ventilation (>24 hours, p = 0.168); however, the median ventilation time was significantly shorter in the group extubated in the OR compared to the ICU group (5.67 hours v 17.55 hours, p < 0.001). The group of patients extubated in the ICU had a longer postoperative stay (7.54 ± 3.40 days v 6.41 ± 2.91 days, p < 0.001) and longer total hospitalization time (11.49 ± 5.70 days v 10.36 ± 5.72, p = 0.013) compared to those extubated in the OR. The authors did not observe a significant difference in the need for reintubation, morbidity, or mortality rates among the evaluated groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the REPLICCAR II database, extubation performed in the OR was associated with a reduced length of postoperative and total hospital stays compared to extubation in the ICU.

Immediate Results after Multiple Arterial Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in the São Paulo State: Cross Cohort Study. / Resultados Imediatos após Múltiplos Enxertos Arteriais em Cirurgia de Revascularização Miocárdica no Estado de São Paulo: Estudo de Coorte.

BACKGROUND: The short-term results after using arterial grafts still raise questions and doubts for medical society. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate outcomes of patients undergoing single arterial graft versus multiple arterial grafts coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. METHODS: Cross-sectional cohort study in the São Paulo Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery II (REPLICCAR II). Perioperative data from 3122 patients were grouped by the number of arterial grafts used, and their outcomes were compared: reoperation, deep sternal wound infection (DSWI), stroke, acute kidney injury, prolonged intubation (>24 hours), short hospital stay (<6 days), prolonged hospital stay (>14 days), morbidity and mortality. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) matched 1062 patients, adjusted for the mortality risk. RESULTS: After PSM, the single arterial graft group showed patients with advanced age, more former smokers, hypertension, diabetes, stable angina, and previous myocardial infarction. In the multiple arterial grafts, there was a predominance of males, recent pneumonia, and urgent surgeries. After the procedure, there was a higher incidence of pleural effusion (p=0.042), pneumonia (p=0.01), reintubation (p=0.006), DSWI (p=0.007), and sternal debridement (p=0.015) in the multiple arterial grafts group, however, less need for blood transfusion (p=0.005), extremity infections (p=0.002) and shorter hospital stays (p=0.036). Bilateral use of the internal thoracic artery was not related to increased DSWI rate, but glycosylated hemoglobin >6.40% (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing the multiarterial technique had a higher incidence of pulmonary complications, and DSWI, where glycosylated hemoglobin ≥6.40%, had a greater influence on the infectious outcome than the choice of grafts.

FUNDAMENTO: Os resultados a curto prazo após o uso de enxertos arteriais ainda suscitam questionamentos e dúvidas na sociedade médica. OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados imediatos de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio com enxerto arterial único versus enxertos arteriais múltiplos. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte transversal no Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular II (REPLICCAR II). Os dados perioperatórios de 3122 pacientes foram agrupados pelo número de enxertos arteriais utilizados e seus desfechos foram comparados: reoperação, infecção profunda da ferida torácica (IPFT), acidente vascular cerebral, lesão renal aguda, intubação prolongada (>24 horas), tempo de internação curta (<6 dias), tempo de internação prolongada (>14 dias), morbidade e mortalidade. O Propensity Score Matching (PSM) correspondeu a 1062 pacientes, ajustado para o risco de mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Após PSM, o grupo enxerto arterial único apresentou pacientes com idade avançada, mais ex-fumantes, hipertensos, diabéticos, portadores de angina estável e infarto do miocárdio prévio. Nos enxertos arteriais múltiplos houve predomínio do sexo masculino, pneumonia recente e cirurgias de urgência. Após o procedimento, houve maior incidência de derrame pleural (p=0,042), pneumonia (p=0,01), reintubação (p=0,006), IPFT (p=0,007) e desbridamento esternal (p=0,015) no grupo de enxertos multiarteriais, porém, menor necessidade de hemotransfusão (p=0,005), infecções de extremidades (p=0,002) e menor tempo de internação (p=0,036). O uso bilateral da artéria torácica interna não foi relacionado ao aumento da taxa de IPFT, e sim a hemoglobina glicosilada >6,40% (p=0,048). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes submetidos a técnica multiarterial apresentaram maior incidência de complicações pulmonares e IPFT, sendo que a hemoglobina glicosilada ≥6,40% teve maior influência no resultado infeccioso do que a escolha dos enxertos.

MiRNA-30d and miR-770-5p as potential clinical risk predictors of Vasoplegic Syndrome in Patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

The aims of this study were to perform pre-surgery miRNA profiling of patients who develop Vasoplegic syndrome (VS) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and identify those miRNAs that could be used as VS prognostic tools and biomarkers. The levels of 754 microRNAs (miRNAs) were measured in whole blood samples from a cohort of patients collected right before the coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. We compared the miRNA levels of those who developed VS (VASO group) with those who did not (NONVASO group) after surgery. Six miRNAs (hsa-miR-548c-3p, -199b-5p, -383-5p -571 -183-3p, -30d-5p) were increased and two (hsa-1236-3p, and hsa-miR770-5p) were decreased in blood of VASO compared to NONVASO groups. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that a combination of the miRNAs, hsa-miR-30d-5p and hsa-miR-770-5p can be used as VS predictors (AUC = 0.9615, p < 0.0001). The computational and functional analyses were performed to gain insights into the potential role of these dysregulated miRNAs in VS and have identified the "Apelin Liver Signaling Pathway" as the canonical pathway containing the most target genes regulated by these miRNAs. The expression of the combined miRNAs hsa-miR-30d and hsa-miR-770-5p allowed the ability to distinguish between patients who could and could not develop VS, representing a potential predictive biomarker of VS.

Long-Term Radial Artery Grafts with Previous Midterm Proven Patency.

INTRODUCTION: Left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery (LITA-LADA) grafting has become a fundamental part of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This grafting has led to an increased use of other arterial conduits, of which the radial artery (RA) is the most popular. Whether RA can have the same long-term patency as LITA is controversial. The objective of this study is to access the long-term clinical follow-up and, when available, the patency rate of RA grafts. METHODS: Twenty-six patients from a previous study with critical stenosis in all target vessels underwent complete arterial CABG with LITA and RA grafts from 1996 to 2003. They all underwent midterm multidetector computed tomography after surgery with the association of at least one patent LITA and one patent RA graft. RESULTS: Twelve patients (46%) are alive with no angina symptoms. Six patients underwent a second image exam 12 to 16 years (average of 14 years) after surgery, with a total of six LITA-LADA and 14 RA grafts with 100% patency rate. Clinical follow-up five to 23 years after surgery (average of 14 years) showed only one death 12 years after surgery related to coronary artery disease (CAD) (3,8%). Another 12 patients died of non-CAD. CONCLUSION: Patients with midterm associated LITA and RA patent grafts show similar optimal long-term patency rates of both types of grafts with excellent clinical outcome.

Financial Impact of Deep Sternal Wound Infections After Coronary Surgery: A Microcosting Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) are so serious and costly that hospital services continue to strive to control and prevent these outcomes. Microcosting is the more accurate approach in economic healthcare evaluation, but there are no studies in this field applying this method to compare DSWI after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aims to evaluate the incremental risk-adjusted costs of DSWI on isolated CABG. Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center observational cohort study with a propensity score matching for infected and non-infected patients to compare incremental risk-adjusted costs between groups. Data to homogeneity sample was obtained from a multicentric database, REPLICCAR II, and additional sources of information about costs were achieved with the electronic hospital system (Si3). Inflation variation and dollar quotation in the study period were corrected using the General Market Price Index. Groups were compared using analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression was performed to evaluate the cost drivers related to the event. Results: As expected, infections were costly; deep infection increased the costs by 152% and mediastinitis by 188%. Groups differed among hospital stay, exams, medications, and multidisciplinary labor, and hospital stay costs were the most critical cost driver. Conclusion: In summary, our results demonstrate the incremental costs of a detailed microcosting evaluation of infections on CABG patients in São Paulo, Brazil. Hospital stay was an important cost driver identified, demonstrating the importance of evaluating patients' characteristics and managing risks for a faster, safer, and more effective discharge.

Resultados Imediatos após Múltiplos Enxertos Arteriais em Cirurgia de Revascularização Miocárdica no Estado de São Paulo: Estudo de Coorte / Immediate Results after Multiple Arterial Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in the São Paulo State: Cross Cohort Study

Resumo Fundamento Os resultados a curto prazo após o uso de enxertos arteriais ainda suscitam questionamentos e dúvidas na sociedade médica. Objetivo Comparar os resultados imediatos de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio com enxerto arterial único versus enxertos arteriais múltiplos. Métodos Estudo de coorte transversal no Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular II (REPLICCAR II). Os dados perioperatórios de 3122 pacientes foram agrupados pelo número de enxertos arteriais utilizados e seus desfechos foram comparados: reoperação, infecção profunda da ferida torácica (IPFT), acidente vascular cerebral, lesão renal aguda, intubação prolongada (>24 horas), tempo de internação curta (<6 dias), tempo de internação prolongada (>14 dias), morbidade e mortalidade. O Propensity Score Matching (PSM) correspondeu a 1062 pacientes, ajustado para o risco de mortalidade. Resultados Após PSM, o grupo enxerto arterial único apresentou pacientes com idade avançada, mais ex-fumantes, hipertensos, diabéticos, portadores de angina estável e infarto do miocárdio prévio. Nos enxertos arteriais múltiplos houve predomínio do sexo masculino, pneumonia recente e cirurgias de urgência. Após o procedimento, houve maior incidência de derrame pleural (p=0,042), pneumonia (p=0,01), reintubação (p=0,006), IPFT (p=0,007) e desbridamento esternal (p=0,015) no grupo de enxertos multiarteriais, porém, menor necessidade de hemotransfusão (p=0,005), infecções de extremidades (p=0,002) e menor tempo de internação (p=0,036). O uso bilateral da artéria torácica interna não foi relacionado ao aumento da taxa de IPFT, e sim a hemoglobina glicosilada >6,40% (p=0,048). Conclusão Pacientes submetidos a técnica multiarterial apresentaram maior incidência de complicações pulmonares e IPFT, sendo que a hemoglobina glicosilada ≥6,40% teve maior influência no resultado infeccioso do que a escolha dos enxertos.

Abstract Background The short-term results after using arterial grafts still raise questions and doubts for medical society. Objective To compare the immediate outcomes of patients undergoing single arterial graft versus multiple arterial grafts coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Methods Cross-sectional cohort study in the São Paulo Registry of Cardiovascular Surgery II (REPLICCAR II). Perioperative data from 3122 patients were grouped by the number of arterial grafts used, and their outcomes were compared: reoperation, deep sternal wound infection (DSWI), stroke, acute kidney injury, prolonged intubation (>24 hours), short hospital stay (<6 days), prolonged hospital stay (>14 days), morbidity and mortality. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) matched 1062 patients, adjusted for the mortality risk. Results After PSM, the single arterial graft group showed patients with advanced age, more former smokers, hypertension, diabetes, stable angina, and previous myocardial infarction. In the multiple arterial grafts, there was a predominance of males, recent pneumonia, and urgent surgeries. After the procedure, there was a higher incidence of pleural effusion (p=0.042), pneumonia (p=0.01), reintubation (p=0.006), DSWI (p=0.007), and sternal debridement (p=0.015) in the multiple arterial grafts group, however, less need for blood transfusion (p=0.005), extremity infections (p=0.002) and shorter hospital stays (p=0.036). Bilateral use of the internal thoracic artery was not related to increased DSWI rate, but glycosylated hemoglobin >6.40% (p=0.048). Conclusion Patients undergoing the multiarterial technique had a higher incidence of pulmonary complications, and DSWI, where glycosylated hemoglobin ≥6.40%, had a greater influence on the infectious outcome than the choice of grafts.

Long-Term Radial Artery Grafts with Previous Midterm Proven Patency

ABSTRACT Introduction: Left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery (LITA-LADA) grafting has become a fundamental part of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This grafting has led to an increased use of other arterial conduits, of which the radial artery (RA) is the most popular. Whether RA can have the same long-term patency as LITA is controversial. The objective of this study is to access the long-term clinical follow-up and, when available, the patency rate of RA grafts. Methods: Twenty-six patients from a previous study with critical stenosis in all target vessels underwent complete arterial CABG with LITA and RA grafts from 1996 to 2003. They all underwent midterm multidetector computed tomography after surgery with the association of at least one patent LITA and one patent RA graft. Results: Twelve patients (46%) are alive with no angina symptoms. Six patients underwent a second image exam 12 to 16 years (average of 14 years) after surgery, with a total of six LITA-LADA and 14 RA grafts with 100% patency rate. Clinical follow-up five to 23 years after surgery (average of 14 years) showed only one death 12 years after surgery related to coronary artery disease (CAD) (3,8%). Another 12 patients died of non-CAD. Conclusion: Patients with midterm associated LITA and RA patent grafts show similar optimal long-term patency rates of both types of grafts with excellent clinical outcome.

Transit-time flow measurement parameters after protamine infusion in CABG surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate protamine sulfate effects on graft's blood flow by comparing transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) values before and after protamine administration. METHODS: This is an observational study with data collected between years 2018 and 2020. Immediate graft patency was evaluated using TTFM. Only patients with TTFM parameters registered before and after protamine infusion were included. The main three parameters studied were:  mean graft flow  (MGF),  pulsatility index (PI), and  diastolic flow (DF). In the first analysis, all conduits were evaluated regardless of the surgical technique used. In a second analysis, on-pump and off-pump groups were compared. Evaluated grafts were left internal thoracic artery, saphenous vein graft (SVG), radial artery, and right internal thoracic artery. Since SVG was numerically the most used graft, an exclusive analysis was created. RESULTS: Our study included 575 patients, resulting in a total of 1686 grafts, mean 2.93 grafts/patient. Off-pump surgery was performed in 158 patients. Before protamine infusion, inadequate TTFM parameters were observed in 3.8% of grafts. Overall, after protamine administration, MGF decreased in all grafts, but its reduction was not statistically significant. PI values increased in the SVG and DF values reduced in LIMA grafts. SVG group analysis showed that after protamine PI values were higher in OM1 and RCA. DF values increased in RCA. The comparison between off and on-pump surgeries, showed that in off-pump cases TTFM measures did not present statistically significant differences. CONCLUSION: Significant variations were observed in TTFM values before and after protamine administration. Although different, those values remained within the normal reference ranges. We recommend that flow measurement should be performed before protamine infusion.

Performance of a novel risk model for deep sternal wound infection after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Clinical prediction models for deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery exist, although they have a poor impact in external validation studies. We developed and validated a new predictive model for 30-day DSWI after CABG (REPINF) and compared it with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons model (STS). The REPINF model was created through a multicenter cohort of adults undergoing CABG surgery (REPLICCAR II Study) database, using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, internally and externally validated comparing discrimination, calibration in-the-large (CL), net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), trained between the new model and the STS PredDeep, a validated model for DSWI after cardiac surgery. In the validation data, c-index = 0.83 (95% CI 0.72-0.95). Compared to the STS PredDeep, predictions improved by 6.5% (IDI). However, both STS and REPINF had limited calibration. Different populations require independent scoring systems to achieve the best predictive effect. The external validation of REPINF across multiple centers is an important quality improvement tool to generalize the model and to guide healthcare professionals in the prevention of DSWI after CABG surgery.

Quality improvement program in Latin America decreases mortality after cardiac surgery: a before-after intervention study.

BACKGROUND: The current challenge of cardiac surgery (CS) is to improve outcomes in adverse scenarios. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a quality improvement program (QIP) on hospital mortality in the largest CS center in Latin America. METHODS: Patients were divided into two groups: before (Jan 2013-Dec 2015, n = 3534) and after establishment of the QIP (Jan 2017-Dec 2019, n = 3544). The QIP consisted of the implementation of 10 central initiatives during 2016. The procedures evaluated were isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG), mitral valve surgery, aortic valve surgery, combined mitral and aortic valve surgery, and CABG associated with heart valve surgery. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to adjust for inequality in patients' preoperative characteristics before and after the implementation of QIP. A multivariate logistic regression model was built to predict hospital mortality and validated using discrimination and calibration metrics. RESULTS: The PMS paired two groups using 5 variables, obtaining 858 patients operated before (non-QIP) and 858 patients operated after the implementation of the QIP. When comparing the QIP versus Non-QIP group, there was a shorter length of stay in all phases of hospitalization. In addition, the patients evolved with less anemia (P = 0.001), use of intra-aortic balloon pump (P = 0.003), atrial fibrillation (P = 0.001), acute kidney injury (P < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (P = 0.011), sepsis (P = 0.046), and hospital mortality (P = 0.001). In the multiple model, among the predictors of hospital mortality, the lack of QIP increased the chances of mortality by 2.09 times. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a first CS QIP in Latin America was associated with a reduction in length of hospital stay, complications and mortality after the cardiac surgeries analyzed.