Multiarterial grafting: Why is it so hard to convince the masses of the benefits?

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.

Immediate Results after Multiple Arterial Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in the São Paulo State: Cross Cohort Study

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.

Toward stroke-free coronary surgery: The role of the anaortic off-pump bypass technique

Surgical coronary revascularization remains the preferred strategy in a significant portion of patients with coronary artery disease due to superior long-term outcomes. However, there is a significant risk of perioperative neurologic injury that has influenced guideline recommendations. These complications occur in 1%-5% of patients, ranging from overt neurologic deficits with permanent disability, to subtle cerebral defects noted on neuroimaging that may result in slow cognitive and functional decline. The primary mechanism by which these events occur is thromboembolism from manipulation of the ascending aorta. This occurs during cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross-clamping, and partial occlusion clamping (side clamp). Elderly patients and patients with aortic atheroma are, therefore, at significantly increased risk. Initial surgical techniques addressed this by aggressively debriding or replacing the ascending aorta during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Strategies then moved toward minimizing aortic manipulation through pump-assisted beating heart surgery and off-pump surgery with partial occlusion clamping or proximal anastomosis devices. Finally, anaortic off-pump CABG aims to avoid all manipulation of the ascending aorta through advanced off-pump grafting techniques combined with in situ and composite grafts. This has been demonstrated to result in the greatest reduction in risk. Establishing successful anaortic off-pump CABG programs requires subspecialization and focused interest groups dedicated to advancing CABG outcomes.