Implications of Elevated Serum Cortisol in the Onset of Postoperative Delirium Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights from a Bangladesh-Based Single Center Experience

Background: Following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), delirium emerges as a prevalent complication. This study aimed to assess the correlation between elevated serum cortisol levels and the occurrence of postoperative delirium subsequent to off-pump CABG. Methods: Conducted in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at BSMMU from October 2020 to September 2022, this comparative cross-sectional study included a total of 44 participants. Subjects, meeting specific criteria, were purposefully assigned to two groups based on off-pump CABG. Group A (n = 22) consisted of patients with normal serum cortisol levels, while Group B (n = 22) comprised individuals with high serum cortisol levels on the first postoperative day. Delirium onset was assessed at the bedside in the ICU on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th postoperative days using standard tools, namely the Richmond Agitation Sedation score (RASS) and The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM-ICU). Data were collected based on the presence or absence of delirium. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0, employing an independent Student’s t-test for continuous data and chi-square and Fischer’s exact test for categorical data. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group-A had a mean age of 54.50 ± 17.97, and Group-B had a mean age of 55.22 ± 15.45, both with a male predominance (81.81% and 86.36% respectively). The mean serum cortisol level was significantly higher in Group B (829.71 ± vs. 389.98 ± 68.77). Postoperative delirium occurred in 27.3% of Group B patients, statistically significant compared to the 4.5% in Group A. However, patients in Group B who developed delirium experienced significantly longer postoperative ICU and hospital stays (79.29 ± 12.27 vs. 11.44 ± 2.85, p ≤ 0.05). There was one mortality in Group B, which was statistically not significant. Conclusion: This study observed a significant association between elevated serum cortisol levels in the postoperative period and the occurrence of postoperative delirium after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on postcoronary artery bypass grafting patients

BACKGROUND Some patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease experience major adverse cardiac events(MACE)and require readmission after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(CABG)surgery.This is often attributed to patients'unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits,inadequate understanding of the disease,and poor disease management compliance.Thus,searching for more targeted nursing intervention models that can enhance patients'self-management abilities and reduce the risk of readmission after CABG surgery is significant.AIM To observe the impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on patients after CABG surgery.METHODS A total of 103 patients who underwent CABG surgery in our hospital between April 2021 and April 2022 comprised the study sample.The patients were divided into two groups using an odd-even number grouping method.The control group received routine nursing care,while the case management group received specialized nursing outpatient case management.The differences in psychological status,adherence to medical treatment,self-care ability,knowledge mastery,quality of life scores,and the occurrence rate of MACE were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After the intervention,the case management group had lower scores on the selfrating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale and lower MACE rate,as well as higher scores for adherence to a healthy diet,medication adherence,good lifestyle habits,regular exercise,and timely follow-up,higher scores on the Coronary Heart Disease Self-Management Scale,higher scores for managing adverse habits,symptoms,emotional cognition,emergency response,disease knowledge,general lifestyle,and treatment adherence,higher scores for understanding coronary heart disease,recognizing the importance of medication adherence,understanding selfcare points after CABG surgery,and being aware of post-CABG precautions,higher scores for physical well-being,disease condition,general health,social-psychological well-being,and work-related aspects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Specialized nursing outpatient case management can enhance patient adherence to medical treatment,knowledge mastery,psychological well-being,and overall quality of life in patients after CABG surgery.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Short-Term Results from a Single Center in Bangladesh

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is considered a safer alternative to on-pump surgery, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Objectives: This study assessed short-term outcomes and functional improvements in LVD patients post-OPCAB. Methods: The study included 200 coronary artery disease patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute between January 2019 and June 2020. Patients were categorized into Group 1, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30% - 39%, and Group 2, with an LVEF of 40% or higher. Echocardiographic assessments of left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction were performed preoperatively, at discharge, and one month postoperatively. Results: In Group 1, preoperative left ventricular internal dimensions during diastole (LVIDd) and systole (LVIDs) were 53.48 ± 4.40 mm and 44.23 ± 3.93 mm, respectively, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35.28% ± 2.26%. At discharge, these values improved to 51.58 ± 4.04 mm (LVIDd), 41.23 ± 5.30 mm (LVIDs), and 39.25% ± 3.75% (LVEF). One month postoperatively, further improvements were observed: 46.29 ± 3.76 mm (LVIDd), 37.45 ± 3.68 mm (LVIDs), and 43.22% ± 4.67% (LVEF). Group 2 showed similar positive outcomes, with preoperative values of 47.09 ± 5.06 mm (LVIDd), 35.11 ± 5.25 mm (LVIDs), and 50.13% ± 7.25% (LVEF), improving to 42.37 ± 4.18 mm (LVIDd), 31.05 ± 4.19 mm (LVIDs), and 55.33% ± 7.05% (LVEF) at one month postoperatively. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in left ventricular function and NYHA class, with most patients moving from class III/IV to I/II. Complications were minimal, and no mortality was observed. Conclusion: OPCAB is safe and effective for patients with LVEF 30% - 39% and LVEF ≥ 40%, providing significant short-term functional improvements without increased risk.

Percutaneous coronary intervention of totally occluded coronary venous bypass grafts:An exercise in futility?

BACKGROUND Percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)of diseased saphenous vein grafts(SVG)continues to pose a clinical challenge.Current PCI guidelines give a class III recommendation against performing PCI on chronically occluded SVG.However,contemporary outcomes after SVG intervention have incrementally improved with distal protection devices,intracoronary vasodilators,drug-eluting stents,and prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy.AIM To reassess the procedural and long-term outcomes of PCI for totally occluded SVG with contemporary techniques.METHODS This was a retrospective observational study conducted at a single university hospital.The study population consisted of 35 consecutive patients undergoing PCI of totally occluded SVG.Post-procedure dual antiplatelet therapy was continued for a minimum of one year and aspirin was continued indefinitely.Clinical outcomes were assessed at a mean follow-up of 1221±1038 d.The primary outcome was freedom from a major adverse cardiac event(MACE)defined as the occurrence of any of the following:death,myocardial infarction,stroke,repeat bypass surgery,repeat PCI,or graft reocclusion.RESULTS The study group included 29 men and 6 women with a mean age of 69±12 years.Diabetes was present in 14(40%)patients.All patients had Canadian Heart Classification class III or IV angina.Clinical presentation was an acute coronary syndrome in 34(97%)patients.Mean SVG age was 12±5 years.Estimated duration of occlusion was acute(<24 h)in 34%of patients,subacute(>24 h to 30 d)in 26%,and late(>30 d)in 40%.PCI was initially successful in 29/35 SVG occlusions(83%).Total stent length was 52±35 mm.Intraprocedural complications of distal embolization or no-reflow occurred in 6(17%)patients.During longer term follow-up,MACE-free survival was only 30%at 3 years and 17%at 5 years.CONCLUSION PCI of totally occluded SVG can be performed with a high procedural success rate.However,its clinical utility remains limited by poor follow-up outcomes.

Radial Artery and Saphenous Vein Grafts in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Comparison in Terms of Patient Symptoms

Background: The aim of this study is to compare radial artery with saphenous vein grafts which are widely used for coronary bypass, from views of patients’ satisfaction and postoperative findings. Methods: 42 isolated coronary bypass (CABG) patients performed during November 2012-April 2013 are included in the study. 30 days after the operation, in patients who had both RA and SV removal made responses to a questionnaire form which included 6 questions about symptoms of extremity. Results: After analyzing the responses and physical examination, there was no difference in terms of quality of life and usefulness of the extremity for daily use between two grafts. 2 patients (2%) have wound infection on the saphenous vein incision and additional surgical procedure was performed and a scar tissue has occurred. There was no statistically significance between uncomfortable symptoms and demographic data. Conclusion: Our study suggested that RA graft using showed a bit more comfortable and suitable effect against SV in our patients. We think that radial arterial grafts should be used more widely in coronary surgery with selected patients.

Sevoflurane Versus Propofol for Myocardial Protection in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: a Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective To systematically review randomized controlled trials to compare myocardial protection profiles of sevoflurane with propofol in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） surgery. Methods Electronic databases were searched to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing sevoflurane with propofol for protecting myocardium in adult patients undergoing CABG surgery. Two authors independently extracted patients＇ perioperative data, including patients＇ baseline characteristics, surgical variables, and outcome data. For continuous variables, treatment effects were calculated as weighted mean difference （WMD） and 95% confidential interval （C/）. For dichotomous data, treatment effects were calculated as odds ratio （OR） and 95% CI. Each outcome was tested for heterogeneity, and randomized-effects or fixed-effects model was used in the presence or absence of significant heterogeneity （Q test P〈0.05）. Sensitivity analyses were done by examining the influence of statistical model on estimated treatment effects. Publication bias was explored through visual inspection of funnel plots of the outcomes. Statistical significance was defined as P〈0.05. Results Our search yielded 13 studies including 696 patients, and 402 patients were allocated into sevoflurane group and 294 into propofol group. There was no significant difference in postoperative mechanical ventilation time, inotropic support, mortality, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation between the two groups （all P〉0.05）. Patients randomized into sevoflurane group had higher post-bypass cardiac index （WMD=0.39, 95% CI： 0.18 to 0.60, P=0.0003）, lower troponin I level （WMD=-0.82, 95% CI：-0.87 to -0.85, P=0.0002）, lower incidence of myocardial ischemia （OR=0.37, 95% CI： 0.16 to 0.83, P=0.02）, shorter ICU and hospital stay length （WMD=-10.99, 95% CI： -12.97 to -9.01, P〈0.00001; WMD=-0.78, 95% CI： -1.00 to -0.56, P〈0.00001, respectively）. Conclusion This meta-analysis has found some evidence showing that sevoflurane has better myocardial protection than propofol in CABG surgery.

Predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation in elderly patients with coronary artery disease after coronary artery bypass graft

Objective To identify the factors associated with the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation （POAF） after coronary artery bypass graft （CABG） in elderly patients with coronary artery disease （CAD）. Methods A total of 81 patients with CAD who underwent CABG were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups： Group 1, without postoperative atrial fibrillation （59 patients, 74.6% men, mean age 65.8 ~ 4.0 years）; Group 2, with early new-onset atrial fibrillation after CABG （22 patients, 90.9% men, mean age 67.7 ＋ 5.4 years）. Interleukin （IL）-6, IL-8, IL-10, C-reactive protein （CRP）, fibrinogen, superoxide dismutase （SOD）, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP）, and troponin I were studied. Results During the observation period, atrial fibrillation occurred in 27.2% cases, an average of 4.9 ±3.8 days after surgery. In group 2, the left atrium （LA） dimension was larger than in group 1 （43.9 ± 3.4 mm vs. 37.6 ±3.9 rnm, P 〈 0.001）. Patients with POAF had significantly higher IL-6 （72.7 ±60.8 pg/mL vs. 38.0 ± 34.6 pg/mL, P = 0.04）, IL-8 （11.9 ± 6.0 pg/mL vs. 7.7± 5.4 pg/mL, P = 0.01） and SOD （2462.0 ± 2029.3 units/g vs. 1515.0 ± 1292.9 units/g, P = 0.04） compared with group without POAF. The multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratio （OR） for POAF development in patients with left atrium more than 39 mm was 2.1 [95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.2-3.8, P = 0.0004], IL-6 levels more than 65.18 pg/mL-1.4 （95% Ch 1.1-2.7, P = 0.009）, IL-8 levels more than 9.67 pg/mL-1.2 （95% CI： 1.1-3.7, P ： 0.009）, SOD more than 2948 units/g-1.1 （95% Ch 1.01-2.9, P = 0.04）. Conclusions In our study, the independent predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation after CABG in elderly patients were left atrium dimension and the increased postoperative concentration of IL-6, IL-8 and superoxide dismutase.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using a bilateral internal mammary artery Y graft

Objective To evaluate the outcome of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting （OPCABG） using a bilateral internal mammary artery （BIMA） Y configuration graft to achieve total arterial myocardial revascularization. Methods From October 2002 to December 2008, 208 patients （196 males and 12 females） underwent OPCABG using a BIMA Y configuration graft. The average age of the patients was 56.5 ± 11.3 years, with an age range of 33-78 years. A total of 167 （80.2%） cases had triple-vessel disease. Left main stem disease was found in 33 （15.9%） cases, and double-vessel disease was found in 8 （3.9%） cases. The semi-skeletonization technique was used to harvest the two internal mammary arteries （IMAs）, and then the free right internal mammary artery was connected end-to-side to the left internal mammary artery （LIMA） in situ to complete the Y configuration graft. Off-pump and sequential anastomosis methods were used to perform coronary artery bypass surgery in all patients. Graft patency was assessed intm-operatively with the HT311 transit time flowmeter. Results A total of 728 distal anastomoses were performed in 208 patients, with the average being 3.5± 1.3 per person. No one died or experienced recurrent angina within 30 days after the operation. Conclusions OPCABG using the BIMA Y graft was safe and effective to achieve total arterial revascularization. This method avoids surgical operation on the ascending aorta and other incisions.

Coronary artery bypass grafting with concomitant resection for carcinoma of lung

A 69-year-old woman with angina had a lesion in the left lower lobe on chest film. Angiography revealed coronary artery disease in three vessels. Combined off pump coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） and left lower lobectomy were performed through median sternotomy. This approach avoids complications due to staged operations and cardiopulmonary bypass （CPB）. This report shows that simultaneous off pump CABG and pulmonary operations can be performed safely in patients with coronary artery disease （CAD） associated with lung cancer.

Application of Endoscopic Vein Harvesting in Obese Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic vein harvesting （EVH） for coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） in obese patients. Totally, 153 obese patients who underwent EVH （n=81） or standard bridging technique （SBT, n=72） in CABG surgery from May 2012 to October 2014 in our hospital were enrolled in this retrospective non-randomized controlled study. The general situation of operation, postoperative complications and short medium-term outcomes were analyzed. The baseline characteristics were similar between these two groups （P〉0.05）. There were no statistical differences in total operation time （226±28 min vs. 224±30 min, P〉0.05）, number of damaged vessels （0.12±0.05 vs. 0.16±0.06, P〉0.05） and short medium-term outcomes including revascularization rate （1.25% vs. 2.78%, P〉0.05）, vessel dysfunction rate （11.25% vs. 11.11%, P〉0.05） and mortality （0.00% vs. 0.00%, P〉0.05）. Use of EVH was associated with significant reduction of total harvesting time （41±6 min vs. 63±11 min, P〈0.05）, incision length （4.4±1.1 cm vs. 18.2±4.5 cm, P〈0.05） and postoperative lower extremity complications （P〈0.05）. EVH can reduce the risk of wound complications, whereas does not influence short- and medium-term outcomes in obese patients. It can be considered a reliable procedure of harvesting vessel conduits for obese patients undergoing CABG.

The importance of depression and alcohol use in coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients：risk factors for delirium and poorer quality of life

ObjectiveToinvestigate whether depression, anxiety and stress increase the risk for delirium and poor quality of life （QOL） after co-ronary artery bypass （CABG） surgery.MethodsA total of 180 CABG patients （mean age of 63.5 ± 10.1 years, 82.2% males） completed baseline and postoperative self-report questionnaires to assess distress and QOL. Incident delirium was diagnosed postoperatively with a structured clinical interview and patients were monitored every day post-operatively for confusion and disturbance in consciousness.Results Delirium developed in 63 persons （35% of sample）. After adjustment for covariates, delirium was significantly associated with depression [odds ratio （OR）： 1.08; 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.03-1.13,P = 0.003], anxiety （OR： 1.07; 95% CI： 1.02-1.13,P= 0.01） and stress （OR： 1.05; 95% CI： 1.00-1.09,P= 0.03）. Preoperative depression scores were associated with poorer QOL including bodily pain （β =-0.39,P = 0.013）, vitality （β=-0.32,P = 0.020）, social functioning （β=-0.51,P≤0.001）, emotional role function （β=-0.44,P = 0.003） and general health （β=-0.33,P = 0.038）. Among the covariates, harmful levels of alcohol use was consistently associated with poorer QOL.Conclusions Depression and harmful levels of alcohol use were consistently associated with poorer QOL whereas depression, anxiety and stress were associated with delirium risk. These findings point to further research examining depression and harmful levels of alcohol use in coronary heart disease populations undergoing coronary revascularization.

Long term outcomes of saphaneous vein graft intervention in elderly patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft

Objectives To investigate the procedure characteristics and long term follow-up ofpercutaneous coronary intervention （PCI） for sa phaneous vein graft （SVG） lesions in the elderly patients. Methods From December 2005 to December 201 l, 84 graft lesions were treated percumneously. Seventeen were located at proximal anastomosis, 48 were located at SVG body, 19 were located at distal anastomosis. Pri mary endpoint was defined as major adverse cardiovascular events （MACE, composite of cardiac death, target vessel revascularization, acute myocardial infarction）. Results The graft age was 6.7 i 4.0 years. Most anastomosis lesions （80.0%） presented within one year post coro-nary artery bypass grafting （CABG）. Proximal anastomosis lesion had the lowest successful rate for PCI compared with graft body and distal anastomosis lesions （70.6% vs. 91.7%, 79.0%, P 〈 0.05）. The distal embolic protection device was used in 19.1% of patients, most frequently used in body graft PCI （29.2%, P 〈 0.01）. The diameter of the stent was smallest in distal anastomosis group （2.9 ±0.4 mm, P 〈 0.05）. The highest post dilatation pressure was required in the proximal anastomosis （17.8 ± 2.7 atm, P 〈 0.05）. The patients were followed up for 24.3 ±16.9 months. MACE occurred in 18.57% of patients. Incidence of MACE was highest among proximal anastomosis PCI （47.1% vs. body graft PCI 16.7%, distal anastomosis PCI 21.1%; P 〈 0.05）. Old myocardial infarction was the predictive factor for the poor clinical outcomes （P〈 0.04）. Conclusions PCI of SVG lesions is feasible with lower success rate. PCI of ostial graft anastomosis lesions had the lowest procedure success rate and highest MACE rate compared with graft body and distal anastomosis lesions. Old myocardial infarction was a predictive factor of poor outcomes.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: Misperceptions and misconceptions

Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) continues to be one of the most commonly performed cardiac surgical procedures worldwide. Conventional CABG performed on cardiopulmonary bypass termed on-pump CABG is regarded as the gold standard. However, on-pump CABG results in several physiologic derangements including but not limited to thrombocytopenia, activation of complement factors, immune suppression, and inflammatory responses leading to organ dysfunction.Furthermore, manipulating an atherosclerotic ascending aorta during cannulation and cross-clamping can predispose to embolization and stroke risk. Recognition of these detrimental effects of on-pump CABG resulted in resurgence of off-pump CABG nearly two decades ago.Off-pump CABG since its resurgence has been a subject of intensive scrutiny and speculation. Despite numerous retrospective nonrandomized studies, prospective randomized trials, and meta-analyses validating the safety and efficacy of off-pump CABG, opponents of the technique have persistently demanded abandonment of off-pump CABG. Several misconceptions and misperceptions are used as an excuse for such demands. This review article examines published scientific evidence to evaluate these misperceptions and misconceptions about off-pump CABG.

A nursing protocol targeting risk factors for reducing postoperative delirium in patients following coronary artery bypass grafting:Results of a prospective before-after study

Objective: The results of postoperative delirium (POD) warrant testing for prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a nursing intervention targeting risk factors could decrease the inci-dence of POD among patients who had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in China.Methods: A prospective before-after study was conducted between April 2014 and April 2015. A nursing delirium intervention protocol targeting risk factors for delirium was performed for 141 patients un-dergoing CABG in a cardiothoracic ICU from November 2014 to April 2015. Intervention consisted of screening for delirium risk factors, followed by targeted risk factor modification, including pain control, early catheter removal, patient orientation using the 5W1H procedure, increased family visits, mini-mizing care-related interruptions, comfortable nursing and monitoring for sleeping difficulties. Out-comes of the Intervention Group were compared with those of the Control Group for 137 CABG patients from April 2014 to October 2014. Delirium was assessed using the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU). The sample size was justified by PASS2000, based on previous data of delirium incidence in our institution (30%). Main results: Delirium incidence during the first seven postoperative days was significantly lower in the Intervention Group at 13.48%(19/141) vs. 29.93%(41/137) for the Control Group (x2=11.112, P=0.001). In addition, POD in the Intervention Group occurred between the 3rd and 6th postoperative days, while POD in the Control Group mainly occurred on the first three days postoperatively. Delirium in the Intervention Group occurred later than delirium in the Control Group (x2=12.743, P<0.001). Length of ICU stay was reduced significantly (Z= -6.026, P<0.001). Conclusion: The application of a nursing protocol targeting risk factors in this study seems to be asso-ciated with a lower incidence of POD in patients after CABG. This finding suggests that managing the predictors properly is one of the effective strategies to prevent delirium.

Redo Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Revascularization Techniques

Objective To analyze the short-term outcomes of redo coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) using on-pump and off-pump CABG techniques. Methods From January 2003 to August 2013, non-randomized 80 patients were treated with redo CABG in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital. Among these patients, 40 underwent on-pump CABG technique(redo-ONCAB group) and 40 underwent off-pump CABG technique(redo-OPCAB group). Furthermore, transmyocardial laser revascularization was performed in high-risk patients who were not suitable to conventional grafting. Clinical data of the two groups were recorded and analyzed including operation time, coronary grafts, incomplete revascularization, postoperative ventilation, perioperative stroke, and low output syndrome, etc. Results There were no significantly differences in age, gender distribution, incidences of hypertension, stroke, and other clinical characteristics between redo-OPCAB group and redo-ONCAB group(all P>0.05), except for incidences of renal dysfunction and pulmonary disease(all P<0.05). The number of grafting vessels in the redo-ONCAB and redo-OPCAB groups was 2.1 ± 0.74 and 1.4 ±0.52 respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups(P=0.0243). Compared with the redo-ONCAB group, there was shorter operation time(P=0.0045), postoperative ventilation(P=0.0211) and intensive care unit stay(P=0.0400), as well as fewer use of platelet(P=0.0338) and blood transfusion(P=0.0034) in the redo-OPCAB group. The incidence of incomplete revascularization(P=0.0253) and the use of transmyocardial laser revascularization(P=0.0052) were higher in the redo-OPCAB group than those in the redo-ONCAB group(all P<0.05). However, no significant differences were showed for the incidence of the use of intra aortic balloon pump and continuous renal replacement therapy, perioperative stroke, low output syndrome, and in-hospital mortality between the two groups(all P>0.05). Conclusion Redo CABG is the safety and efficacy surgical procedure, and redo-OPCAB technique with better outcomes is commended especially in high-risk patients.

Predictors of post coronary artery bypass grafting atrial fibrillation

Objective： To investigate the incidence and relative risk factors of post coronary artery bypass grafting（post-CABG） atrial fibrillation （AF）. Methods： 312 patients with CABG were reviewed and divided into an AF group and a non-AF group. Statistical analysis was used to compare the data between the two groups and screen for risk factors of post-CABG AF. Results： 103/312 （33.01%） patients developed post-CABG AF. Univariate analysis showed that patients in AF group compared with those in non-AF group were more likely to have advanced age （≥ 70 years）, early postoperative withdrawal of β-blockers, hypertension, left atrial enlargement （≥40 mm）, a history of AF, prolonged p-wave duration （≥ 120 ms） and increased number of grafts （≥13）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age （≥70 years）, early postoperative withdrawal of β-blockers, hypertension, left atrial enlargement （≥40 mm） and a history of AF were highly related to post-CABG AF. Conclusion： The incidence of AF in patients following CABG was 33.01% in this study. Advanced age, early postoperative withdrawal of 13-blockers, hypertension, left atrial enlargement and a history of AF were independent risk factors of post-CABG AF.

The effect of slow deep breathing relaxation exercise on pain levels during and post chest tube removal after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of slow deep breathing relaxation exercise(SDBRE)in reducing patients’pain levels during chest tube removal(CTR)post coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)surgery.Methods:In 2019,fifty post-CABG patients were conveniently selected from a cardiac intensive care unit in Jordan’s major referral heart institute.The patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.A total of 25 patients were assigned into the experimental group who received slow deep breathing relaxation Exercise(SDBRE)alongside the conventional care before CTR.The remaining 25 patients constituted the control group(50%)that had CTR following conventional care.The Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)was used to measure the participants’pain levels during three phases:before CTR(Time 1),5-min post CTR(Time 2),and 15-min post CTR(Time 2)to compare the intervention effect between the two groups.Results:The data analysis findings for the control and intervention group of patients showed that there was a statistically significant decline in their pain level across time for both groups(H¼32.71,P<0.01;H=47.23,P<0.01)respectively.The intervention group had significantly lower pain levels than the control group at Time 2(3.50[1.20,5.30]vs.7.90[7.00,9.00],P<0.01)and Time 3(0.00[0.00,1.30]vs.3.60[2.40,4.10]P<0.01).Conclusions:Using SDBRE during CTR is an effective technique for reducing pain which can minimize the need for analgesics and their associated adverse effects.

Comprehensive assessment of a post-coronary bypass graft patient with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and multi-detector computed tomography

Coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a revascularization procedure which reduces myocardial ischemia and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in selected patients;however, up to 40% of saphanous vein grafts may degenerate over 10 years. Although coronary angiography is the gold standard to detect graft patency and native vessel disease, sometimes it is difficult to locate the grafts resulting in increased exposure to radiation and contrast administration. This case highlights the utility of cardiac computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging to provide comprehensive noninvasive assessment in a patient post CABG.(J Geriatr Cardiol 2007;4:244-247.)

Long term outcomes of drug-eluting stent versus coronary artery bypass grafting for left main coronary artery disease： a meta-analysis

Background It is still controversial whether percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent （DES） is safe and effective compared to coronary artery bypass graft surgery （CABG） for unprotected left main coronary artery （ULMCA） disease at long-term follow up （≥3 years）. Methods Eligible studies were selected by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library up to December 6, 2016. The primary endpoint was a composite of death, myocardial infarction （MI） or stroke during the longest follow-up. Death, cardiac death, MI, stroke and repeat revascularization were the secondary outcomes. Results Four randomized controlled trials and twelve adjusted observational studies involving 14,130 patients were included. DES was comparable to CABG regarding the occurrence of the primary endpoint （FIR = 0.94, 95% CI： 0.86-1.03）. Besides, DES was significantly associated with higher incidence of MI （HR = 1.56, 95% CI： 1.09-2.22） and repeat revascularization （HR = 3.09, 95% CI： 2.33-4.10） compared with CABG, while no difference was found between the two strategies regard as the rate of death, cardiac death and stroke. Furthermore, DES can reduce the risk of the composite endpoint of death, MI or stroke （HR = 0.80, 95% CI： 0.67-0.95） for ULMCA lesions with SYNTAX score ≤32. Conclusions Although with higher risk of repeat revascularization, PCI with DES appears to be as safe as CABG for ULMCA disease at long-term follow up. In addition, treatment with DES could be an alternative interventional strategy to CABG for ULMCA lesions with low to intermediate anatomic complexity.

The Study of the Graft Hemodynamics with Different Instant Patency in Coronary Artery Bypassing Grafting

In coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG),graft’s poor instant patency may lead to an abnormal hemodynamic environment in anastomosis,which could further cause graft failure after the surgery.This paper investigates the graft hemodynamics with different instant patency,and explores its effect on graft postoperative efficiency.Six CABG 0D/3D coupling multi-scale models which used left internal mammary artery(LIMA)and saphenous vein(SVG)as grafts were constructed.Different types of grafts were examined in the models,including normal grafts,grafts with competitive flow and grafts with anastomotic stenosis.Simulation results indicated that comparing with SVG grafts,there was a greater difference between normal LIMA graft and non-patent LIMA graft.Also,the backflow occurred even in LIMA systolic flow.The wall shear stress(WSS)in the graft of the competitive flow LIMA model had an appreciable decrease comparing with the normal graft.In addition,the WSS in the stenosis region of the anastomotic stenosis LIMA model was much higher than its adjacent regions.In contrast,the WSS distributions in the SVG models were much smoother than in the LIMA models.For oscillatory shear index(OSI),there was little difference between normal LIMA and SVG.But when the graft had competitive flow or anastomotic stenosis,much higher OSI occurred in some regions in LIMA than SVG.There are significant differences in hemodynamics between normal grafts and non-patent grafts both in LIMA and SVG.The hemodynamic environment in a normal LIMA is better than that in a normal SVG.However,in the situation of the two types of non-patent grafts,the hemodynamics of SVG is better than LIMA.