Evaluation of the effect of small single intravenous dose of amiodarone on the prevention of arrhythmias in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia after cardiac surgery causing a range of clinical symptoms and treatments that develop in around one-third of coronary artery bypass surgery patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Amiodarone in preventing arrhythmia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Method: In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 60 patients candidate for coronary artery bypass surgery above the age of 18 were included and randomly divided into two groups of intervention, receiving an infusion of Amiodarone (3 mg/kg) 10 min (in 100 cc Normal saline) before declamping of the aorta, and a control group, receiving 100 cc of saline 10 min before declamping of the aorta. The patient's demographic, clinical features, and hospital and clinical course were recorded. Results: After undergoing operation, 22 (36.67%) of patients were developed arrhythmia. The Amiodarone group demonstrated significantly lower reperfusion ventricular fibrillation (RVF) rates (26.7% vs. 70%; p = .001) and AF occurrence (13.3% vs. 60%; p < .001) during the initial 24 h after surgery compared to the placebo group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the need for D/C shock after removing the aortic clamp. (p = .117) Furthermore, the intensive care unit stay among the amiodaron group was significantly lower than the control group (2.43 vs. 3.07 days; p = .013). Conclusion: The predictive properties in the administration of single intravenous low-dose Amiodarone 10 min before the declamping of the aorta can significantly lower the rates of RVF and AF after coronary artery bypass grafting, while also decreasing hospitalization duration.

F. Mason Sones Jr.: The Serendipitous Discovery of Coronary Angiography and Its Lasting Impact on Cardiology.

F. Mason Sones Jr. (1918-1985) was a pioneering cardiologist whose groundbreaking work revolutionized the field of cardiology. His accidental discovery of coronary angiography in 1958 at the Cleveland Clinic provided physicians with the first clear visualization of coronary arteries in living patients, paving the way for the development of coronary artery bypass surgery and interventional cardiology. This review article explores F. Mason Sones Jr.'s life and career, and his lasting impact on the field of cardiology. Born in Noxapater, MS, in 1918, F. Mason Sones Jr. attended Western Maryland College (Westminster, MD) and the University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD) before completing his internship and residency at the University Hospital (Baltimore, MD) and Henry Ford Hospital (Detroit, MI), respectively. After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, F. Mason Sones Jr. joined the Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland, OH), in 1950, as the head of pediatric cardiology, where he combined his expertise in cardiac catheterization with his interest in congenital heart disease. F. Mason Sones Jr.'s serendipitous discovery of coronary angiography occurred during a routine cardiac catheterization procedure when he inadvertently injected contrast dye directly into the right coronary artery. Realizing that smaller amounts of dye could safely opacify the coronary arteries, F. Mason Sones Jr. refined and standardized the technique of selective coronary angiography, collaborating with engineers to improve X-ray imaging and establishing protocols that remain the standard of care today. F. Mason Sones Jr.'s work provided the foundation for the development of coronary artery bypass surgery by Dr. René Favaloro and the birth of interventional cardiology, as pioneered by Dr. Andreas Gruentzig. As the director of cardiovascular disease at the Cleveland Clinic (1966-1975), F. Mason Sones Jr. mentored and inspired a generation of cardiologists, cementing his legacy as a visionary leader in the field. Throughout his career, F. Mason Sones Jr. received numerous awards and honors, including the American Medical Association's Scientific Achievement Award and the Gairdner Foundation International Award. He co-founded and served as the first president of the Society for Cardiac Angiography (now SCAI), an organization dedicated to advancing the field of interventional cardiology. This review article pays tribute to F. Mason Sones Jr.'s enduring contributions to the field of cardiology, highlighting his role as a pioneer, innovator, and mentor. His legacy continues to inspire and guide generations of cardiologists in their pursuit of improving patient care and pushing the boundaries of cardiovascular medicine.

SUVmean ratios of liver/muscle and lung/muscle from 13N-NH3 PET perfusion outperformed traditional myocardial viability parameters in predicting survival after CABG.

PURPOSE: Myocardial viability evaluation in predicting survival after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) remains debatable. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of 13N-NH3/18F-FDG PET myocardial viability scan in predicting treatment outcomes and survival. METHODS: 90 patients with CABG and pre-surgical PET-based myocardial viability scan were retrospectively reviewed. Perfusion-metabolism features, myocardium motion parameters, and patient characteristics were recorded. Additionally, the SUVmean of blood pool, lung, liver, spleen, and muscle were measured and the SUVmean ratios were calculated. Factors associated with treatment outcomes and survival were analyzed by Logistic and Cox regressions. Nomogram models were subsequently established to predict ejection fraction (EF) improvement and survival outcomes. RESULTS: The mean EF of these 90 patients was 38.1 ± 9.5% and 46.0 ± 9.2% before and after CABG surgery, and 35 patients (38.9%) achieved EF improvement ≥ 10%. EF measurements by PET and echocardiogram showed a reasonable linear correlation (R = 0.752). Sex, pre-surgical EF, mismatch of the left ventricle, total perfusion deficit (TPD), and peak ejection rate (PER) were independent predictive factors of EF improvements. Surgery waiting time, valve damage, and SUVmean ratio of Liver/Muscle were independently predictive of event-free survival (EFS), while valve damage, together with SUVmean ratio of either Liver/Muscle or Lung/Muscle, were independently predictive of overall survival (OS). CONCLUSION: Although traditional cardiac parameters from PET-based myocardial viability can effectively predict EF improvements after CABG, SUVmean ratios of liver/muscle and lung/muscle from 13N-NH3 PET perfusion outperformed these parameters in predicting survival.

A Narrative Review of Revascularization in Chronic Coronary Syndrome/Disease: Concepts and Misconceptions.

Ischemic heart disease represents a significant global burden of morbidity and mortality. While revascularization strategies are well defined in acute settings, there are uncertainties regarding chronic coronary artery disease treatment. Recent trials have raised doubts about the necessity of revascularization for "stable", chronic coronary syndromes or disease, leading to a shift towards a more conservative approach. However, the issue remains far from settled. In this narrative review, we offer a summary of the most pertinent evidence regarding revascularization for chronic coronary disease, while reflecting on less-often-discussed details of major clinical trials. The cumulative evidence available indicates that there can be a prognostic benefit from revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome patients, provided there is significant ischemia, as demonstrated by either imaging or coronary physiology. Trials that have effectively met this criterion consistently demonstrate a reduction in rates of spontaneous myocardial infarction, which holds both prognostic and clinical significance. The prognostic benefit of revascularization in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction remains especially problematic, with a single contemporary trial favouring surgical revascularization. The very recent publication of a trial focused on revascularizing non-flow-limiting "vulnerable" plaques adds further complexity to the field. The ongoing debates surrounding revascularization in chronic coronary syndromes emphasize the importance of personalized strategies. Revascularization, added to the foundational pillar of medical therapy, should be considered, taking into account symptoms, patient preferences, coronary anatomy and physiology, ischemia tests and intra-coronary imaging.

The effect of erector spinae plane block on postoperative extubation time and laboratory parameters in open heart surgery: a retrospective study.

Background/aim: In open heart surgery, sternotomy causes inflammation in tissues, and inflammation causes postoperative pain. This study aims to examine the effects of bilateral erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks on postoperative extubation time and laboratory parameters in open heart surgery. Materials and methods: The study was managed using retrospective data from 85 patients who underwent open-heart surgery. Patients who received intravenous analgesia and were transferred to the intensive care unit with intubation were included in the study. Two groups were formed: those who received preoperative bilateral ESP block (ESB) and those nonblock (NB). Statistical significance was investigated between ESB and NB in terms of extubation time and laboratory parameters. Results: The postoperative extubation time for group NB was significantly longer at 360 (300-420) min compared to the observed 270 (240-390) min for ESB (p: 0.006). The length of stay in the intensive care unit was also longer for group NB at 4 (3-5) days compared to 3 (3-4) days for ESB (p: 0.001). Ejection fraction values, cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic cross-clamp times were similar in both groups. Postoperative 24 h troponin I levels were higher for group NB at 0.94 (0.22-2.70) mcg/L compared to 0.16 (0.06-1.40) mcg/L for group ESB (p: 0.016). Conclusion: It would be useful for anesthesiologists to know that erector spinae plane blocks applied in the preoperative period in cardiac surgeries not only shorten the mechanical ventilation and hospitalization times but also provide lower troponin values in the postoperative period patient follow-ups.

Preoperative smoking status and long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting: a competing risk analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with severe coronary artery disease who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting consistently demonstrate that continued smoking after surgery increases late mortality rates. Smoking may exert its harmful effects through the ongoing chronic process of atherosclerotic progression both in the grafts and the native system. However, it is not clear whether cardiac mortality is primary and solely responsible for the inferior late survival of current smokers. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we included all consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass surgery from 1 January 2000 to 30 September 2015 in an Academic Hospital in Northern Portugal. The predictive or independent variable was the patients' smoking history status, a categorical variable with 3 levels: non-smoker (the comparator), ex-smoker for >1 year (exposure 1) and current smoker (exposure 2). The primary end point was long-term all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were long-term cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular and noncardiovascular). We fitted overall and Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models. RESULTS: We identified 5242 eligible patients. Follow-up was 99.7% complete (with 17 patients lost to follow-up). The median follow-up time was 12.79 years (interquartile range, 9.51-16.60). Throughout the study, there were 2049 deaths (39.1%): 877 from cardiovascular causes (16.7%), 727 from noncardiovascular causes (13.9%) and 445 from unknown causes (8.5%). Ex-smokers had an identical long-term survival than non-smokers [hazard ratio (HR) 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88, 1.12; P = 0.899]. Conversely, current smokers had a 24% increase in late mortality risk (HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.07, 1.44; P = 0.004) as compared to non-smokers. While the current smoker status increased the relative incidence of noncardiac death by 61% (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.27, 2.05, P < 0.001), it did confer a 25% reduction in the relative incidence of cardiac death (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.59, 0.97; P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Whereas ex-smokers have an identical long-term survival to non-smokers, current smokers exhibit an increase in late all-cause mortality risk at the expense of an increased relative incidence of noncardiac death. By subtracting the inciting risk factor, smoking cessation reduces the relative incidence of cardiac death.

Influence of cardioplegic solution on incidence of acute kidney injury after coronary artery bypass surgery procedure: del Nido cardioplegia versus Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate solution: Insight of kidney disease improving global outcomes criteria.

INTRODUCTION: We set out to investigate whether the use of Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution or del Nido cardioplegia is linked to an increased incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out at our center, with a total of 478 patients included in the analysis. Among them, 268 patients were administered the del Nido solution (DN) while 210 patients received the HTK solution. The primary focus of this study was to assess the occurrence of postoperative AKI and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between the type of cardioplegia used and adverse kidney outcomes. Additionally, serum levels of sodium, potassium, and ionized calcium were monitored during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). RESULTS: The incidence of AKI was significantly higher in the HTK group compared to the DN group [(48/220 (21.81%) vs. 24/186 (12.90%), p = .049], although the rate of RRT did not show a statistically significant difference (9/48, 18.75% vs. 6/24, 25%, p = .538). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HTK was a significant risk factor for AKI. Furthermore, serum sodium and calcium levels were found to decrease following HTK cardioplegic infusion. Conclusion: Our study provides compelling evidence of the impact of cardioplegic solutions on postoperative AKI rates. It underscores the importance of optimizing cardiac arrest protocols. These findings warrant further prospective investigations into the influence of cardioplegic solutions on electrolyte imbalances and postoperative AKI rates.

Comparison of Del Nido (a different application) and crystalloid blood cardioplegia on arrhythmia and early results.

BACKGROUND: The results of the use of del-Nido(DN) solution using a different method or crystalloid blood cardioplegia in coronary bypass patients were compared. We aimed to investigate the effects on intraoperative and postoperative arrhythmias, arrhythmia durations and early results. METHODS: The study included 175 patients using crystalloid blood cardioplegia (Group 1) and 150 patients using DN solution(Group 2). In the DN group, 75% of the calculated plegia dose was given first. the remaining part was applied by giving from grafts. Intraoperative/postoperative data were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics. Preop troponin level was similar.(p = 0.190) However, there was a statistical difference between the postoperative 6th hour.(p = 0.001) There was no difference in troponin values at the postoperative 24th hour. (p = 0.631) Spontaneous rhythm occurred at the cardiopulmonary by pass (CPB) weaning stage in most of the patients in Group 2 (95.3%). Although the need for temporary pacing was less in Group 2, it was not significant.(p = 0.282) No patient required permanent pacing. CPB duration, cross clamp times and intraoperative glucose levels, intensive care follow-up times and hospitalization times were found to be shorter in Group 2. Although the postoperative atrial fibrillation frequency was similar (p = 0.261), the time to return to sinus was lower in Group 2.(p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of DN cardioplegia solution provides significant positive contributions to avoid arrhythmias compared to crystalloid blood cardioplegia. DN solution applied with this method may contribute to reducing the anxieties associated with its use in isolated coronary artery bypass surgery.

A case of a peritoneal dialysis patient with left pleuroperitoneal communication caused by a pericardial defect after coronary artery bypass surgery.

A 74-year-old woman with reduced kidney and cardiac function and a history of coronary artery bypass surgery involving the gastroepiploic artery to the right coronary artery and posterior descending artery #4 presented with dyspnea on exertion. Shortly after the induction of peritoneal dialysis (PD), an increase in the left pleural effusion was observed, and a diagnosis of left pleuroperitoneal communication was made by puncture drainage. The pleuroperitoneal communication hole was not detected under thoracoscopic observation; however, a 10 mm-sized hole in the pericardium was found, confirming leakage of ICG-loaded peritoneal dialysate fluid (PDF). CT peritoneography using PDF mixed with iodine contrast medium revealed that the gastroepiploic artery-to-right coronary artery pathway was defective on the abdominal side. We concluded that the left pleuroperitoneal communication was caused by a two-stage fistulous pathway between the abdominal and pleural cavities through the pericardial cavity after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Although closure of the diaphragmatic hole around the gastroepiploic artery graft should have been performed to restart PD, the patient did not wish to undergo further invasive procedures. Identification of the fistulous pathway is extremely important for prompt diagnosis and treatment of pleuroperitoneal communication.

Death Anxiety in Patients with a History of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Spiritual Well-Being and Coping Strategies.

Patients who have previously undergone coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) were prone to death anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. It appears that spiritual well-being and appropriate coping strategies may mitigate the harmful effects of death anxiety. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of death anxiety in patients with CABG during the COVID-19 pandemic and investigate the relationship between spiritual well-being, coping strategies and death anxiety.This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with CABG history in Tehran from June 2021 to February 2022. The face-to-face questionnaire, containing questions on demographics, Templer's death anxiety scale, the spiritual well-being questionnaire, and the ways of coping questionnaire was administered to collect data. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive-analytical statistics, correlation tests, and logistic regression models.Participants' mean age was 55.59 ± 12.78 years. The mean death anxiety score was 10.00 ± 2.16, with 87% of participants reporting high levels and 13% reporting low levels of death anxiety. Based on the results, there was a significant negative correlation between death anxiety and coping strategies, as well as subscales of distancing, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, and planful problem-solving. Logistic regression showed that with the increase in the score of spiritual well-being, the odds of having high levels of death anxiety decreased (p < 0.05). Furthermore, increasing the total score of coping strategies, and the score of self-controlling, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, and planful problem-solving, significantly reduced the odds of high levels of death anxiety (p < 0.05).The study showed that patients with a CABG history experienced high death anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the findings, spiritual well-being and coping strategies, especially self-controlling, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, and planful problem-solving, may reduce the odds of severe death anxiety. These should be considered as effective targets for psychological intervention in these patients.

Left Internal Thoracic Artery versus Saphenous Vein Grafts to Left Anterior Descending Artery after Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study compared perioperative outcomes and long-term survival of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) versus left internal thoracic artery (LITA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) in isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). METHODS: In this retrospective, single-centre study, we included patients with primary isolated CABG from January 2001 to July 2022. Baseline demographics were compared between SVG-LAD and LITA-LAD. Univariable and multivariable regressions were performed for predictors of in-hospital death. Propensity score matching was performed for LITA-LAD vs. SVG-LAD. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated for comparison of survival. Cox proportional hazards model was used for predictors of survival. RESULTS: A total of 8237 patients (1602 SVG-LAD/6725 LITA-LAD) were included. Median age was 67.9 years (LITA-LAD; 67.1 years vs. SVG-LAD; 71.7 years, p < 0.01). A total of 1270 pairs of SVG-LAD were propensity-matched to LITA-LAD. In matched cohorts, in-hospital mortality (0.8% vs. 1.6%, LITA-LAD and SVG-LAD respectively; p = 0.07), deep sternal wound infection, new cerebrovascular events, renal replacement therapy and hospital stay >30 days were similar. SVG-LAD did not adversely affect in-hospital mortality (OR; 2.03, CI; 0.91, 4.54, p = 0.08). Median long-term survival was similar between the groups (13.7 years vs. 13.1 years for LITA-LAD and SVG-LAD respectively, log rank p < 0.31). SVG-LAD was not a predictor of adverse long-term survival. (HR; 1.06, 95% CI; 0.92, 1.22, p < 0.40). Long-term survival was better with LITA-LAD for LVEF <30% (log rank p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in the propensity-matched cohorts for use of SVG vs. LITA to the LAD. Further contemporary long-term studies are needed for substantiation.

Choice of revascularization strategy for ischemic cardiomyopathy due to multivessel coronary disease.

OBJECTIVE: Limited comparative data guide the decision between coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention for multivessel revascularization in ischemic cardiomyopathy. The study objective was to compare the long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention for ischemic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Clinical registries from the New Jersey Department of Health linked to administrative databases were used to compare all-cause mortality, repeat revascularization, heart failure readmissions, myocardial infarction, and stroke using Cox proportional hazards and propensity matching with competing risk analysis in 5988 patients with ejection fraction 35% or less who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (3673, 61.3%) or percutaneous coronary intervention (2315, 38.6%) for multivessel coronary disease between 2007 and 2018. Median follow-up time was 5.2 years (range, 0-13 years); the last follow-up date was December 31, 2020. RESULTS: After controlling for completeness of revascularization, at 13 years, mortality was 57% (95% CI, 51-63) after percutaneous coronary intervention and 60% (95% CI, 53-66) after coronary artery bypass grafting (hazard ratio [HR], 1.10; 95% CI, 0.93-1.31; P = .28); risk of repeat revascularization was 18% for percutaneous coronary intervention versus 14% for coronary artery bypass grafting (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.17-2.25; P = .003); risk of readmission for heart failure was 16% after percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting (HR, 1.13,95% CI, 0.84-1.51, weighted P = .10); risk of myocardial infarction was 10% versus 6%, respectively (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.18-3.09; P = .007); and stroke risk was 3% versus 4%, respectively (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.41-1.53; P = .52). Rate of complete revascularization was lower after percutaneous coronary intervention than after coronary artery bypass grafting and associated with higher mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.20-1.52; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary bypass was associated with similar mortality, stroke, and heart failure readmissions, and reduced repeat revascularization compared with percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy if similar rates of complete revascularization were achieved. These findings support consensus recommendations for coronary artery bypass grafting and medical therapy in patients with multivessel coronary disease and left ventricular dysfunction.

Anesthetic Management of a Jehovah's Witness Patient for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome and Renal Transplant.

Anesthesia for cardiac surgical patients with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APLS) presents challenges with monitoring anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass. Additionally, this condition is associated with other autoimmune diseases and comorbidities that need to be considered in caring for these patients, and there is minimal evidence for specific strategies during cardiac surgery. Separately, Jehovah's Witness (JW) patients typically do not consent to receiving blood products, presenting an additional challenge for resuscitation during cardiac surgery and especially in the context of APLS. We present our approach to the anesthetic management of a JW patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) complicated by APLS, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure with history of renal transplant who presented for coronary artery bypass surgery. Management strategies we recommend include administration of antifibrinolytics after heparinization to mitigate bleeding risk and interdisciplinary management with the perfusion, intensive care, surgical, and nephrology teams.

How Long After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Can Patients Have Elective Safer Non-Cardiac Surgery?

Objective: To evaluate the complications and mortality after noncardiac surgeries in patients who underwent previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: We used insurance data and identified patients aged ≥20 years undergoing noncardiac surgeries between 2010 and 2017 in Taiwan. Based on propensity-score matching, we selected an adequate number of patients with a previous history of CABG (within preoperative 24 months) and those who did not have a CABG history, and both groups had balanced baseline characteristics. The association of CABG with the risk of postoperative complications and mortality was estimated (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval [CI]) using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The matching procedure generated 2327 matched pairs for analyses. CABG significantly increased the risks of 30-day in-hospital mortality (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.36-3.84), postoperative pneumonia (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.12-1.98), sepsis (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.17-1.89), stroke (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.17-1.99) and admission to the intensive care unit (OR, 1.75, 95% CI 1.50-2.05). The findings were generally consistent across most of the evaluated subgroups. A noncardiac surgery performed within 1 month after CABG was associated with the highest risk for adverse events, which declined over time. Conclusion: Prior history of CABG was associated with postoperative pneumonia, sepsis, stroke, and mortality in patients undergoing noncardiac surgeries. Although we raised the possibility regarding deferral of non-critical elective noncardiac surgeries among patients had recent CABG when considering the risks, critical or emergency surgeries were not in the consideration of delay surgery, especially cancer surgery.

Reverse Septal Movement: A Step Forward in the Comprehension of the Underlying Causes.

(1) Background: Reverse septal movement (RSM) often occurs after cardiac surgery, consisting of a paradoxical systolic movement of the interventricular septum. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate possible determinants of RSM after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). (2) Methods: Patients who underwent CABG with on- or off-pump techniques at our center from March 2019 to October 2021 were retrospectively included. Exclusion criteria were: exposure to combined procedures (e.g., valve implantation), prior cardiac surgery, intraventricular conduction delays, and previous pacemaker implantation. Laboratory tests and echocardiographic and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration data were collected. (3) Results: We enrolled 138 patients, of whom 32 (23.2%) underwent off-pump CABG. Approximately 89.1% of the population was male; the mean age was 70 ± 11 years. There was no difference in RSM incidence in patients undergoing the off-pump and on-pump techniques (71.9% vs. 62.3%; p = 0.319). In patients undergoing on-pump surgery, the incidence of RSM was slightly higher in longer CPB procedures (OR 1.02 (1.00-1.03) p = 0.012), and clamping aortic time was also greater (OR 1.02 (1.00-1.03) p = 0.042). (4) Conclusions: CPB length seems to be correlated with a higher RSM appearance. This better knowledge of RSM reinforces the safety of CABG and its neutral effect on global biventricular function.

Assessment of Price Variation in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery at US Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about hospital pricing for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Using new price transparency data, we assessed variation in CABG prices across US hospitals and the association between higher prices and hospital characteristics, including quality of care. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prices for diagnosis related group code 236 were obtained from the Turquoise database and linked by Medicare Facility ID to publicly available hospital characteristics. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess factors predictive of higher prices. Across 544 hospitals, median commercial and self-pay rates were 2.01 and 2.64 times the Medicare rate ($57 240 and $75 047, respectively, versus $28 398). Within hospitals, the 90th percentile insurer-negotiated price was 1.83 times the 10th percentile price. Across hospitals, the 90th percentile commercial rate was 2.91 times the 10th percentile hospital rate. Regional median hospital prices ranged from $35 624 in the East South Central to $84 080 in the Pacific. In univariate analysis, higher inpatient revenue, greater annual discharges, and major teaching status were significantly associated with higher prices. In multivariable analysis, major teaching and investor-owned status were associated with significantly higher prices (+$8653 and +$12 200, respectively). CABG prices were not related to death, readmissions, patient ratings, or overall Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services hospital rating. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variation in CABG pricing, with certain characteristics associated with higher rates, including major teaching status and investor ownership. Notably, higher CABG prices were not associated with better-quality care, suggesting a need for further investigation into drivers of pricing variation and the implications for health care spending and access.

Nurse-led intervention in the management of patients with cardiovascular diseases: a brief literature review.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one among the major causes of mortality in patients all around the globe. It has been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) that approximately 80% of cardiovascular diseases could be prevented through lifestyle modifications. Management of CAD involves the prevention and control of cardiovascular risk factors, invasive and non-invasive treatments including coronary revascularizations, adherence to proper medications and regular outpatient follow-ups. Nurse-led clinics were intended to mainly provide supportive, educational, preventive measures and psychological support to the patients, which were completely different from therapeutic clinics. Our review focuses on the involvement and implication of nurses in the primary and secondary prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. Nurses have a vital role in Interventional cardiology. They also have major roles during the management of cardiac complications including congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation and heart transplantation. Today, the implementation of a nurse-led tele-consultation strategy is also gaining positive views. Therefore, a nurse-led intervention for the management of patients with cardiovascular diseases should be implemented in clinical practice. Based on advances in therapy, more research should be carried out to further investigate the effect of nurse-led clinics during the long-term treatment and management of patients with cardiovascular diseases.

A treatment algorithm for ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy has been the focus of increased attention by cardiologists due to recent evidence of an important outcome study comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) plus optimal medical treatment vs optimal medical treatment alone, concluding for the futility of myocardial revascularization by PCI. A relatively older trial of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the same condition, on the other hand, had concluded for some prognostic improvement at a long-term follow-up. This short manuscript addresses how to triage such patients, frequently encountered in medical practice and considering clinical presentation, imaging results, and surgical risk, to provide practical guidance to treatment.

Administrative Model for Profiling Hospital Performance on Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: Based on the Chinese Hospital Quality Monitoring System.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to develop an administrative model to profile the performance on the outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting across hospitals in China. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective study was based on the Chinese Hospital Quality Monitoring System (HQMS) from 2016 to 2020. The coronary artery bypass grafting cases were identified by procedure code, and those of 2016 to 2017 were randomly divided into modeling and validation cohorts, while those in other years were used to ensure the model stability across years. The outcome was discharge status as "death or withdrawal," and that withdrawal referred to discharge without medical advice when patients were in the terminal stage but reluctant to die in the hospital. Candidate covariates were mainly identified by diagnoses or procedures codes. Patient-level logistic models and hospital-level hierarchical models were established. A total of 203 010 coronary artery bypass grafts in 699 hospitals were included, with 60 704 and 20 233 cases in the modeling and validation cohorts and 40 423, 42 698, and 38 952 in the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, respectively. The death or withdrawal rate was 3.4%. The areas under the curve were 0.746 and 0.729 in the patient-level models of modeling and validation cohorts, respectively, with good calibration and stability across years. Hospital-specific risk-standardized death or withdrawal rates were 2.61% (interquartile range, 1.87%-3.99%) and 2.63% (interquartile range, 1.97%-3.44%) in the modeling and validation cohorts, which were highly correlated (correlation coefficient, 0.96; P<0.001). Between-hospital variations were distinguished among hospitals of different volumes and across years. CONCLUSIONS: The administrative model based on Hospital Quality Monitoring System could profile hospital performance on coronary artery bypass grafting in China.