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.

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.

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.

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.

Fibrilação atrial após cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica e sua relação com complicações hospitalares: análise do registro paulista de cirurgia cardiovascular (REPLICCAR II) / Atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting and its relationship with hospital complications: analysis of the cardiovascular surgery registry in São Paulo (REPLICCAR II)

INTRODUÇÃO: A fibrilação atrial constitui a principal complicação no pós-operatório de cirurgia cardiovascular. Sua gênese é multifatorial, portanto, sua rápida identifi cação é fundamental para mitigar os riscos associados. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência de fi brilação atrial em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (CRM) e sua relação com outras complicações no nosso cenário. MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de pacientes submetidos à CRM isolada entre 2017 e 2019, pertencentes ao Registro Paulista de Cirurgia Cardiovascular (REPLICCAR II). As variáveis foram coletadas prospectivamente no REDCap seguindo as defi nições dadas pela versão 2.73 do STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database. Os dados foram coletados com autorização prévia do Comitê de Ética local e as análises, realizadas no software R. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 3.803 pacientes, dos quais 605 apresentaram fi brilação atrial no pós-operatório (FAPO). De forma a ajustar os grupos, foi utilizado propensity score matching entre as seguintes variáveis (insufi ciência renal crônica/ aguda; classifi cação NYHA; diabetes mellitus; doença arterial periférica; ex-tabagista/tabagista; gênero; infarto agudo do miocárdio; necessidade de balão intra-aórtico; status cirúrgico; transfusão de hemoderivados no intraoperatório). Tais análises resultaram em 605 pacientes em cada grupo (sem FAPO vs. com FAPO). Entre os pacientes com FAPO, a média de idade foi de 67,56 anos, com prevalência do sexo masculino (445 pacientes, 73,6%). Não houve diferença estatística entre comorbidades (hipertensão arterial sistêmica, diabetes mellitus e dislipidemia), fração de ejeção, classe funcional ou risco cirúrgico (EuroSCORE). Pacientes pertencentes ao grupo com FAPO apresentaram mortalidade de 9,26% (P = 0,007), maior tempo de ventilação prolongada (P < 0,001), readmissão na unidade de terapia intensiva (P < 0,001), pneumonia (P < 0,001) e sepse (P < 0,001). Na análise múltipla, os tempos de ventilação mecânica (P = 0,044) e permanência na UTI (P < 0,001), bem como disfunção renal aguda (P = 0,032), estiveram associados à presença de FAPO. CONCLUSÃO: A fi brilação atrial no pós-operatório de CRM está associada com maior tempo de UTI e de internação, assim como com disfunção renal, pneumonia e mortalidade hospitalar.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Adherence to the cardiac surgery checklist decreased mortality at a teaching hospital: A retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of adherence to the cardiac surgical checklist on mortality at the teaching hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study after the implementation of the cardiac surgical safety checklist in a reference hospital in Latin America. All patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and/or heart valve surgery from 2013 to 2019 were analyzed. After the implementation of the project InCor-Checklist "Five steps to safe cardiac surgery" in 2015, the correlation between adherence and completeness of this instrument with surgical mortality was assessed. The EuroSCORE II was used as a reference to assess the risk of expected mortality for patients. Cross-sectional questionnaires were during the implementation of the InCor-Checklist. To perform the correlation, Pearson's coefficient was calculated using R software. RESULTS: Since 2013, data from 8139 patients have been analyzed. The average annual mortality was 5.98%. In 2015, the instrument was used in only 58% of patients; in contrast, it was used in 100% of patients in 2019. There was a decrease in surgical mortality from 8.22% to 3.13% for the same group of procedures. The results indicate that the greater the checklist use, the lower the surgical mortality (r = 88.9%). In addition, the greater the InCor-Checklist completeness, the lower the surgical mortality (r = 94.1%). CONCLUSION: In the formation of the surgical patient safety culture, the implementation and adherence to the InCor-Checklist "Five steps to safe cardiac surgery" was associated with decreased mortality after cardiac surgery.