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.

Clinical application of individualized total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting in coronary artery surgery

BACKGROUND Total arterial revascularization is associated with increased patency and long-term efficacy and decreased perioperative morbidity and mortality and incidence of cardiac-related events and sternal wound infection compared with conventional coronary artery bypass surgery(CABG),in which the left internal mammary artery(LIMA)is typically grafted to the left anterior descending artery with additional saphenous vein grafts often used.This study determined whether these favorable clinical results could be realized at the authors’institute.AIM To summarize the early efficacy and clinical experience of individualized total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.METHODS CABG was performed on 35 patients with non-single-vessel coronary artery disease by adopting total arterial grafts at Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between April 2016 and December 2019.LIMA was used in 35 patients,radial artery(RA)was used in 35 patients,and right gastroepiploic artery(RGEA)was used in 9 patients.Perioperative complications were observed,short-term graft patency rate was followed-up,and quality of life was assessed.RESULTS All patients underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass and the surgeries were successful.All of them were discharged without any complications or deaths.During the follow-up,it was found that patients’angina symptoms were relieved and New York Heart Association classification for cardiac function was class I to class II.A total of 90 vessels were grafted with no occlusion for internal mammary artery,three occlusions for RA,and one occlusion for RGEA.CONCLUSION The individualized total arterial strategy based on the vessels targeting individual anatomic characteristics can achieve complete revascularization with satisfactory short-term grafting patency rate.

Inotropic Requirement in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) in RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung in 2014-2016

Inotropic agents are indicated to treat ventricular dysfunction that frequently found post-CABG surgery. However, the use of inotropic isn’t free from disadvantageous side effects and is related to higher morbidity and mortality in post-CABG surgery patients. Several risk factors are known to affect higher need for inotropic agents’?post-CABG surgery. This study aims to discover the inotropic?requirement in patients undergoing CABG surgery based on age, sex, preoperative left ventricular ejection?fraction?(LVEF),?comorbidities,?cross clamping time (CCT), and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration in Hasan Sadikin General Hospital Bandung in 2014-2016. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study done retrospectively through medical records. This study found the inotropic?requirement?post-CABG surgery was?130 patients (74.3%). The inotropic?requirement?based on age was?28 patients (80.0%) > 65 years old,?112 patients (75.7%) were?male, 18 patients (66.7%) were?female, 19 patients (100%) with ?LVEF, 41?patients (85.4%) with DM, 20 patients (90.9%) with CKD, 44?patients (93.6%) with >90 minute CCT, 37?patients (90.2%) with >120 minute duration CPB. In conclusion, there was a higher inotropic?requirement in?patients with age > 65 years?old,?preoperative LVEF??comorbidities,?CPB duration > 120 minutes and CCT > 90 minutes.

Physiology of in-situ arterial revascularization in coronary artery bypass grafting: Preoperative,intraoperative and postoperative factors and influences

Surgical revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) has become established as the most effective interventional therapy for patients with moderately severe and severe stable ischemic heart disease(SIHD). This recommendation is based on traditional 5-year outcomes of mortality and avoidance of myocardial infarction leading to reintervention and/or cardiac death. However, these results are confounded in that they challenge the traditional CABG surgical tenets of completeness of anatomic revascularization, the impact of arterial revascularization on late survival, and the lesser impact of secondary prevention following CABG on late outcomes. Moreover, the emergence of physiologic-based revascularization with percutaneous cardiovascular intervention as an alternative strategy for revascularization in SIHD raises the question of whether there are similar physiologic effects in CABG. Finally, the ongoing ISCHEMIA trial is specifically addressing the importance of the physiology of moderate or severe ischemia in optimizing therapeutic interventions in SIHD. So it is time to address the role that physiology plays in surgical revascularization. The long-standing anatomic framework for surgical revascularization is no longer sufficient to explain the mechanisms for short-term and long-term outcomes in CABG. Novel intraoperative imaging technologies have generated important new data on the physiologic blood flow and myocardial perfusion responses to revascularization on an individual graft and global basis. Long-standing assumptions about technical issues such as competitive flow are brought into question by real-time visualization of the physiology of revascularization. Our underestimation of the impact of Guideline Directed Medical Therapy, or Optimal Medical Therapy, on the physiology of preoperative SIHD, and the full impact of secondary prevention on post-intervention SIHD, must be better understood. In this review, these issues are addressed through the perspective of multi-arterial revascularization in CABG, which is emerging(after 30 years) as the "standard of care" for CABG. In fact, it is the physiology of these arterial grafts that is the mechanism for their impact on long-term outcomes in CABG. Moreover, a better understanding of all of these preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative components of the physiology of revascularization that will generate the next, more granular body of knowledge about CABG, and enable surgeons to design and execute a better surgical revascularization procedure for patients in the future.

Early Results of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) in Patients with Low Ejection Fraction

Background: Patients with ischemic heart disease and reduced ejection fraction have increased risk for postoperative complications and mortality. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of low EF (on the early outcomes after CABG and identify the predictors of mortality. Methods: From August 2018 to November 2019, 170 consecutive patients underwent CABG. Group 1 included 120 patients with EF ( EF (>40;57.90% ± 2.27%), 41 were men (82.0%), and the mean age was 54.30 ± 7.01 years and used as a control group. Results: Overall 30-day mortality was 10/120 patients (8.3%). Factors associated with higher mortality were females (70.0% vs. 17.3%, P Conclusion: CABG in EF < 40% is associated with more complications compared with those had EF higher than 40%;however, the clinical and echocardiographic parameters improved over time.

The Role of Heat Shock Protein 70, IgE and MMP-9 in Detecting Early Minor Myocardial Damage and Evaluating the Efficacy of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting （CABG）

The objective of this research was to identify levels of heat shock protein 70 （Hsp 70）, total immunoglobulin E （IgE） and matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） before and after coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） surgery. Hsp 70, IgE, MMP-9, creatine phosphokinase-MB （CPK-MB）, and lactate dehydrogenase （LDH） levels were measured in normal subjects （n = 20）, and in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris who were referred for elective CABG, before and after performing CABG-surgery （n = 20）. Compared with normal subjects, increased Hsp 70 and IgE levels, unchanged MMP-9 level, and activities of CPK-MB and LDH were found in the pre-operative patient group. Hsp 70 and IgE levels in the post-operative period were significantly reduced when compared to pre-operative period. Hsp 70 and IgE might be used as markers for detection of early minor myocardial damage, and coronary insufficiency with less overt damage than myocardial infarction, as significant changes in their levels appear before occurrence of in any changes in the levels of MMP-9, CPK-MB and LDH. Besides, Hsp 70, and IgE returning to the normal levels after CABG surgery, suggest that they could be helpful to evaluate the effect of CABG surgery.

Clinical Efficacy of Recombinant Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction After On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intravenous recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(rhBNP)in patients with acute myocardial infarction after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG).Methods:40 cases of coronary heart disease,left ventricular ejection fraction<50%and(plasma brain natriuretic peptide in type N terminal)NT-proBNP>300 pg/ml underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups,experimental group of 20 patients after operation on the basis of conventional therapy plus recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide treatment(first loading dose of 1.5μg/kg intravenously,to maintain dose of 0.01μg/kg/min continuous infusion of 72h),20 cases of the control group was given routine treatment,observe two groups of patients before and after treatment of blood pressure,heart rate,urine volume,blood creatinine and NT-proBNP,and to observe the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),echocardiography and the length of time the index.Results:the experimental group after treatment,urine volume,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),cardiac index(CI)was significantly higher than that before treatment,the serum creatinine,plasma N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide(NTproBNP),the content of serum troponin T peptide(cT nT),creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK MB)was significantly lower than before treatment.Conclusion:Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide can improve cardiac and renal function in patients with acute period of acute myocardial infarction underwent coronary artery bypass surgery,shorten the hospitalization time,and it is safe and feasible.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.