Our Summary

This research study looks at the relationship between cooling patients during heart bypass surgery, and a protein called irisin, which helps regulate body temperature. The researchers took blood samples at various stages before, during, and after the surgery, and measured the levels of irisin and lactate, which is commonly used to monitor the surgery. They found that both irisin and lactate levels increased gradually from the start of the surgery to the point where a device called a cross-clamp was removed, and then started to decrease as the patient was warmed up. These levels returned to normal 2-3 days after the operation. The researchers concluded that measuring irisin levels, along with lactate, could be a useful way to monitor heart bypass surgeries. Additionally, irisin could be a significant marker of the cooling process during surgery. Irisin could also contribute to understanding heart muscle injury during open heart surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the relationship between the protein irisin and cooling patients during heart bypass surgery?
  2. How do the levels of irisin and lactate change during and after heart bypass surgery?
  3. How could measuring irisin levels be useful in monitoring heart bypass surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about heart bypass surgery is to follow up regularly with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress and ensure proper healing. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments, take medications as prescribed, and make necessary lifestyle changes to support a healthy recovery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress can help improve overall heart health and reduce the risk of future heart issues.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for heart bypass surgery are those with severe coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and in severe cases, heart attack.

Patients who may be recommended for heart bypass surgery include those who have:

  • Severe blockages in multiple coronary arteries
  • Severe blockages in the left main coronary artery
  • Severe blockages in the coronary arteries that cannot be treated with other interventions such as angioplasty and stenting
  • Severe symptoms of coronary artery disease that significantly impact their quality of life

It is important for patients to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a cardiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon to determine if heart bypass surgery is the best treatment option for them. The decision to undergo heart bypass surgery is based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the coronary artery disease, the patient’s overall health and medical history, and their individual preferences and goals for treatment.

Timeline

  1. Pre-surgery: The patient undergoes preoperative testing and evaluation to determine the need for heart bypass surgery. This may include imaging tests, blood tests, and consultations with the surgical team.

  2. Day of surgery: The patient is admitted to the hospital and prepared for surgery. Anesthesia is administered, and the surgery begins with the surgeon making an incision in the chest to access the heart.

  3. During surgery: The surgeon performs the bypass procedure, which involves rerouting blood flow around blocked or narrowed arteries using blood vessels from another part of the body. The patient is placed on a heart-lung machine to take over the function of the heart and lungs during the surgery.

  4. Post-surgery: The patient is transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for monitoring and recovery. Pain management, breathing exercises, and physical therapy are initiated to aid in the healing process.

  5. Follow-up care: The patient is discharged from the hospital after a few days to a week, depending on their recovery progress. Follow-up appointments with the surgical team are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.

  6. Long-term recovery: The patient continues with cardiac rehabilitation, medication management, and lifestyle changes to promote heart health and prevent future heart issues. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress and adjust treatment as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of cooling during heart bypass surgery?
  2. How does irisin play a role in regulating body temperature during surgery?
  3. How can measuring irisin levels help in monitoring the progress of the surgery?
  4. Are there any potential complications related to changes in irisin levels during surgery?
  5. How long does it typically take for irisin levels to return to normal after heart bypass surgery?
  6. Are there any specific factors that can affect irisin levels during surgery?
  7. How does irisin contribute to understanding heart muscle injury during open heart surgery?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or medications that can help regulate irisin levels before or after surgery?
  9. Are there any ongoing research studies or developments related to irisin and heart bypass surgery?
  10. Are there any specific steps that can be taken to optimize irisin levels for a successful surgery outcome?

Reference

Authors: Aydin S, Catak Z, Eren MN, Topal AE, Aydin S. Journal: Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets. 2018;18(3):208-214. doi: 10.2174/1871529X18666180511141151. PMID: 29749315