Effect of coronary artery bypass surgery on left ventricular function as assessed by strain and strain rate imaging.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the effect of coronary artery revascularization on left ventricular function and the results of strain imaging for the detection of ischemia before and after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) were included, prospectively. Conventional echocardiography and color tissue Doppler-derived strain-strain rate echocardiographic imaging were performed 24 hours before and 3 months after CABG surgery. RESULTS: While strain rate values of the basal septum, middle segment of the lateral wall, middle segment of the inferior wall, and middle and basal segments of the anterior wall were significantly increased, other segments did not change after the operation. The mean systolic strain rate value was significantly increased after the operation. Left ventricle strain values in the middle segment of the septum, middle and basal segments of the inferior wall, and middle and basal segments of the anterior wall were significantly increased after the operation. No significant difference was noted in the basal septum or the middle and basal segments of the lateral wall after the operation. The mean systolic strain value was significantly increased after the operation. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that strain and strain rate echocardiography can provide an accurate evaluation of regional contractile function after CABG, even in the segments that are apparently normal.