Our Summary
This research paper is about the two most commonly used methods to predict the risk of death from heart surgery. These are the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (ES) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score. The researchers wanted to understand which of these methods is more accurate and how they should be used for different groups of people.
To do this, they looked at a lot of different studies and collected data on how well each method can predict risk (discrimination) and how closely the predicted risk matches the actual risk (calibration).
The results showed that both methods are good at predicting the short-term risk of death after heart surgery. There was no significant difference in how well they could predict this risk. However, they found that the accuracy of the ES method varied depending on the geographical location and might become less accurate over time. This issue was not seen with the STS method.
Therefore, they concluded that both ES and STS are reliable ways to predict the risk of death from heart surgery, but the STS method might be better for comparing outcomes across different continents.
FAQs
- What are the two most commonly used methods to predict the risk of death from heart surgery?
- How does the accuracy of the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (ES) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score vary?
- Which method, ES or STS, is better for comparing outcomes across different continents?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about cardiac surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions given by the medical team, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. This can help reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery. Additionally, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions with the healthcare team to ensure a successful recovery process.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for cardiac surgery include those with severe coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, and other heart conditions that cannot be effectively treated with medication or less invasive procedures. The decision to undergo cardiac surgery is usually based on the severity of the condition, the patient’s overall health, and the potential benefits of surgery compared to the risks involved. Patients with a high risk of complications or death from surgery may not be recommended for cardiac surgery unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Timeline
Before cardiac surgery, a patient will typically undergo a series of tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and determine the best course of treatment. This may include diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress test, and blood tests. The patient will also meet with their healthcare team to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and recovery process.
After cardiac surgery, the patient will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a period of time to ensure they are stable and recovering well. They will receive pain medication, antibiotics, and other medications as needed. Physical therapy may also be initiated to help the patient regain strength and mobility.
In the days and weeks following surgery, the patient will gradually progress to a regular hospital room and eventually be discharged home. They will be instructed on how to care for their incision site, manage pain, and slowly resume normal activities. Follow-up appointments with their healthcare team will be scheduled to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after cardiac surgery involves thorough preparation, careful monitoring, and ongoing support to ensure a successful recovery.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is my individual risk of death from this specific cardiac surgery procedure?
- How accurate are the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (ES) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) scores in predicting my risk of death?
- Are there any factors or conditions specific to me that may affect the accuracy of these risk prediction methods?
- How do the ES and STS scores compare in terms of their accuracy and reliability in predicting risk of death following cardiac surgery?
- Are there any limitations or potential issues with using either the ES or STS method for predicting my risk of death from this surgery?
- How will knowing my predicted risk of death impact the decisions made regarding my treatment plan and surgical approach?
- What steps will be taken to mitigate or reduce my risk of death during and after the surgery?
- How frequently will my risk of death be reassessed throughout the surgical process?
- Are there any alternative methods or tools available for predicting my risk of death from this cardiac surgery procedure?
- Can you provide me with more information or resources to help me better understand the ES and STS risk prediction methods and their implications for my specific situation?
Reference
Authors: Sinha S, Dimagli A, Dixon L, Gaudino M, Caputo M, Vohra HA, Angelini G, Benedetto U. Journal: Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2021 Oct 29;33(5):673-686. doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivab151. PMID: 34041539