Our Summary

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database was established in 1989 and is seen as one of the most thorough databases in healthcare. It’s often used as a reference for comparing outcomes in heart surgery that have been adjusted for risk. This is the second report in an annual series that gives an overview of national results in heart surgery and looks at how the database has been used in the past year to measure quality and enhance performance.

FAQs

  1. What is the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database?
  2. How is the database used to measure quality and enhance performance in heart surgery?
  3. When was the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database established?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions given by your healthcare team. This may include fasting before surgery, stopping certain medications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle leading up to the procedure. Following these instructions can help reduce the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for cardiac surgery include those with:

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Heart valve disease
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Aortic aneurysms
  • Heart failure
  • Arrhythmias

The decision to recommend cardiac surgery is made based on a variety of factors such as the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health and medical history, and the potential benefits and risks of the surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their options with their healthcare team and make an informed decision about whether cardiac surgery is the best course of action for them.

Timeline

Before cardiac surgery:

  • Patient undergoes initial consultation with cardiologist to determine need for surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing such as blood work, imaging tests, and possibly a cardiac catheterization
  • Patient meets with surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks
  • Patient may need to make lifestyle changes or take medications to prepare for surgery

After cardiac surgery:

  • Patient is closely monitored in the intensive care unit immediately following surgery
  • Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility
  • Patient may need to take medications to manage pain, prevent infection, and control blood pressure
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with surgeon and cardiologist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to treatment plan
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities and makes lifestyle changes to improve heart health and reduce risk of future heart problems.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cardiac surgery include:

  1. What specific type of cardiac surgery do I need?
  2. What are the benefits and risks of the surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of this type of surgery?
  4. How experienced is the surgical team in performing this type of surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  6. What are the potential complications associated with this surgery?
  7. Will I need any follow-up care or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  8. What changes will I need to make to my lifestyle after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider?
  10. How will the surgery impact my overall heart health in the long term?

It’s important for patients to ask these questions and have a thorough understanding of the surgery they are undergoing in order to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Reference

Authors: D’Agostino RS, Jacobs JP, Badhwar V, Paone G, Rankin JS, Han JM, McDonald D, Edwards FH, Shahian DM. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2017 Jan;103(1):18-24. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2016.11.001. Epub 2016 Nov 22. PMID: 27884412