Our Summary

This study looked at the different techniques and equipment used in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedures, which is a method used during heart surgery to maintain the flow of blood and oxygen in the body. They used data from two different registries in Australia and New Zealand and found that there was a significant variation in the equipment used and how the CPB procedure was managed. For instance, some places used roller pumps more than others, and the volume of fluid used to prime the bypass machine varied. They also found differences in the temperature of the outflowing blood. The researchers concluded that the term “conventional bypass” doesn’t accurately reflect the variation in practice, and recommend that authors should provide specific details about the CPB practices used in their patients.

FAQs

  1. What is a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) procedure and why is it used in heart surgery?
  2. What were the main findings of the study regarding the use of different techniques and equipment in CPB procedures?
  3. What was the researchers’ recommendation based on the variation in CPB practices observed in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart bypass surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions closely, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and making necessary lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine to promote a successful recovery and overall heart health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for heart bypass surgery are those who have severe coronary artery disease, which is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Patients who have multiple blocked arteries, or those who have already had a heart attack or other serious heart conditions, may also be recommended for heart bypass surgery. Additionally, patients who have not seen improvement with other treatments, such as medication or lifestyle changes, may be considered for bypass surgery as well. It is important for patients to discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine if heart bypass surgery is the best option for them.

Timeline

Before heart bypass surgery:

  1. Patient is evaluated by a cardiologist and undergoes various tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and coronary angiogram to determine the extent of blockages in the coronary arteries.

  2. Patient may be prescribed medications to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications before surgery.

  3. Patient may undergo pre-operative counseling and education to understand the procedure and post-operative care.

  4. Patient is advised to stop smoking, lose weight, and make lifestyle changes to improve heart health before surgery.

During heart bypass surgery:

  1. Patient is admitted to the hospital and prepared for surgery, which may involve anesthesia and placement of monitoring devices.

  2. Surgeon makes an incision in the chest and connects a bypass machine to reroute blood flow around blocked arteries.

  3. Surgeon harvests a blood vessel from another part of the body (usually the leg or chest) to create the bypass graft.

  4. Surgeon attaches the bypass graft to the blocked artery to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

  5. Surgery typically takes several hours, and patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit (ICU) afterwards.

After heart bypass surgery:

  1. Patient may spend several days in the hospital recovering and receiving care from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers.

  2. Patient may experience pain, fatigue, and discomfort in the chest and incision site, which can be managed with medications and physical therapy.

  3. Patient undergoes cardiac rehabilitation to improve heart function, strength, and endurance through exercise and education.

  4. Patient is advised to follow a heart-healthy diet, take prescribed medications, and attend follow-up appointments with their cardiologist to monitor progress and prevent complications.

Overall, the goal of heart bypass surgery is to improve blood flow to the heart, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events. With proper care and lifestyle changes, many patients can lead a full and active life after heart bypass surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of a heart bypass surgery?
  2. Am I a candidate for a heart bypass surgery?
  3. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a heart bypass surgery?
  4. What is the success rate of heart bypass surgery in patients like me?
  5. How long is the recovery process after a heart bypass surgery?
  6. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. How long will the surgery take?
  9. What type of bypass technique will be used in my surgery?
  10. What equipment will be used during the cardiopulmonary bypass procedure?
  11. Are there any alternative treatments to heart bypass surgery that I should consider?
  12. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  13. What is the long-term outlook for someone who has undergone a heart bypass surgery?
  14. How can I reduce my risk of needing another heart bypass surgery in the future?

Reference

Authors: Likosky DS, Baker RA, Newland RF, Paugh TA, Dickinson TA, Fitzgerald D, Goldberg JB, Mellas NB, Merry AF, Myles PS, Paone G, Shann KG, Ottens J, Willcox TW; International Consortium for Evidence-Based Perfusion, the PERForm Registry, the Australian and New Zealand Collaborative Perfusion Registry (ANZCPR), and the Michigan Society of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons Quality Collaborative. Journal: J Extra Corpor Technol. 2018 Dec;50(4):225-230. PMID: 30581229