Our Summary

The research paper talks about a study that was conducted to understand how stress levels change over time for different members of a surgical team during cardiac surgeries. The tool used to measure this stress was SURG-TLX, a method specifically designed to measure cognitive load or mental stress in surgical teams.

The researchers gave SURG-TLX tests to the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and perfusionist (the person who operates the heart-lung machine) in the operating room immediately after each cardiac surgery. They wanted to check the stress levels before, during, and after the cardiopulmonary bypass (a procedure that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery).

The study found that stress levels differed significantly during the bypass compared to before or after it, for all three roles. Interestingly, anesthesiologists experienced significantly lower stress levels during the bypass compared to surgeons and perfusionists. The research also found that the stress levels of the surgeon and the whole team increased with the length of the bypass and the overall surgery.

In simple terms, the study shows that the SURG-TLX can be used to measure stress levels over time, for individual team members and the entire team during real cardiac surgeries. The results could be used to understand how to manage stress levels better during such procedures.

FAQs

  1. What tool was used to measure stress levels during cardiac surgeries in the study?
  2. Did the stress levels of the surgical team members differ during different stages of the surgery, according to the study?
  3. How did the stress levels of anesthesiologists compare to those of surgeons and perfusionists during the cardiopulmonary bypass, as per the study’s findings?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about cardiac surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions given by the medical team, including any dietary restrictions, medication guidelines, and physical activity recommendations. This can help ensure a successful surgery and smoother recovery process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended cardiac surgery include those with coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, congenital heart defects, heart failure, and other conditions that cannot be adequately treated with medication or other interventions. These patients may be experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or heart palpitations that significantly impact their quality of life. Additionally, patients with a high risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac death may also be recommended for cardiac surgery to prevent further complications.

Timeline

Before cardiac surgery:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation
  • Patient meets with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to discuss the procedure
  • Patient may undergo additional tests or procedures to prepare for surgery

During cardiac surgery:

  • Surgeon, anesthesiologist, and perfusionist work together to perform the surgery
  • Patient is under anesthesia and on the heart-lung machine during cardiopulmonary bypass
  • Surgeon performs the necessary repairs or procedures on the heart
  • Anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s vital signs and administers anesthesia
  • Perfusionist operates the heart-lung machine to support the patient’s circulation

After cardiac surgery:

  • Patient is taken to the recovery room to wake up from anesthesia
  • Patient is monitored closely for any complications
  • Patient begins the recovery process, which may include physical therapy and medications
  • Surgeon, anesthesiologist, and perfusionist debrief and discuss the surgery

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after cardiac surgery involves preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and recovery. The stress levels of the surgical team members, as measured in the study, can vary during different stages of the surgery and may impact the overall outcome for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific type of cardiac surgery do I need, and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. How experienced is the surgical team in performing this type of procedure?
  5. Will I need to undergo cardiopulmonary bypass during the surgery, and what are the potential implications of this?
  6. How will my stress levels be monitored and managed during the surgery?
  7. What measures will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of the surgical team during the procedure?
  8. How will my pain be managed after the surgery, and what options are available for pain relief?
  9. What are the long-term outcomes and potential lifestyle changes I may need to make after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options or less invasive procedures that could be considered for my condition?

Reference

Authors: Kennedy-Metz LR, Wolfe HL, Dias RD, Yule SJ, Zenati MA. Journal: Surg Innov. 2020 Dec;27(6):602-607. doi: 10.1177/1553350620934931. Epub 2020 Jun 17. PMID: 32938323