Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study that looked at trends and outcomes of patients undergoing certain heart procedures in the United States from 2012 to 2018. The procedures include Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR), Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG), and multiple-valve procedures.

During the study period, they identified around 378,815 patients who underwent SAVR. Out of these, 55.1% had only SAVR, 34.8% had SAVR with CABG, 7.2% had SAVR with multiple-valve procedures, and 2.9% had all three procedures.

They found that the rate of multiple-valve procedures increased from 6.1% in 2012 to 9.2% in 2018. In terms of outcomes, they found that in-hospital death rates varied depending on the procedures a patient had. It was 2.1% for those who only had SAVR, 3.9% for those who had SAVR with CABG, 7.3% for those who had SAVR with multiple-valve procedures, and 11.2% for those who had all three procedures.

They concluded that the number of patients undergoing multiple-valve procedures is increasing. Moreover, while adding CABG to SAVR moderately increased in-hospital mortality, adding multiple-valve procedures significantly increased in-hospital mortality and complications.

FAQs

  1. What were the findings of the study regarding the increase in multiple-valve procedures?
  2. How did the in-hospital death rates vary depending on the procedures a patient had?
  3. What was the conclusion of the study about the impact of adding CABG to SAVR on in-hospital mortality?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about CABG is to follow a healthy lifestyle post-surgery to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, managing stress, and taking medications as prescribed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider. By taking these steps, you can support the success of your CABG procedure and improve your overall heart health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended CABG are those with significant blockages in their coronary arteries that cannot be effectively treated with medications or less invasive procedures such as angioplasty and stenting. These patients may have severe chest pain (angina), reduced heart function, or a history of heart attacks. Additionally, patients with complex coronary artery disease involving multiple vessels or those who have diabetes or left main coronary artery disease are also commonly recommended for CABG. Ultimately, the decision for CABG is made by a cardiac surgeon in conjunction with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers based on the individual patient’s unique medical history and conditions.

Timeline

Before CABG:

  1. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as angiography to determine the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries.
  2. Patient may undergo lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments to manage symptoms and improve heart health.
  3. If deemed necessary, patient is scheduled for CABG surgery.

After CABG:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery.
  2. Patient may stay in the hospital for a few days to recover and receive post-operative care.
  3. Patient undergoes cardiac rehabilitation to improve physical strength and overall heart health.
  4. Patient continues to follow up with their healthcare provider for long-term management of their heart condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about CABG include:

  1. What is Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) and why do I need this procedure?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of CABG for me specifically?
  3. How experienced are you and your team in performing CABG procedures?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to CABG that I should consider?
  6. What lifestyle changes or medications will I need to take after CABG to prevent future heart issues?
  7. What are the potential complications or side effects of CABG that I should be aware of?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the procedure?
  9. Are there any restrictions on physical activity or diet that I should follow post-CABG?
  10. What is the long-term outlook for my heart health after undergoing CABG?

Reference

Authors: Wu J, Cong X, Lou Z, Zhang M. Journal: Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021 Sep 3;8:740084. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.740084. eCollection 2021. PMID: 34540926