Outcomes of Second Arterial Conduits in Patients Undergoing Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Impact of Multiarterial Revascularization on Long-term Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Coronary Bypass in 23,798 Patients

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the association between bypass grafting with multiarterial grafts (MAG) and single arterial grafts (SAG) and all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), overall and across different patient subgroups from a Middle Eastern nation.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective cohort study included 23,798 patients. MAG and SAG groups were balanced using inverse probability weighting (IPW). Associations between MAG and outcomes were assessed using Cox regression. A series of covariate-adjusted Cox models were conducted to evaluate the effect of MAG on outcomes at different levels of independent variables, including age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

In the study population (73.9% were men, 65.11 ± 9.94 years), 986 patients (4.1%) underwent MAG. Compared with the SAG group, MAG had lower crude mortality (14.1% vs 21.6%) and MACCE (28.8% vs 34.7%) rates during a median follow-up of 9.23 years (quartile 1-quartile 3, 9.13-9.33 years). Although MAG was significantly associated with reduced risk of study outcomes at the univariate level, these associations disappeared after matching (all-cause mortality (IPW hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.67-1.22) and MACCEs (IPW hazard ratio, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.76-1.15). However, covariate-adjusted models indicated that MAG was associated with a significantly reduced risk of adverse events, particularly MACCEs, in men, younger patients, and those without risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

MAG was not associated with improved postsurgery outcomes among the total coronary artery bypass graft population. Our findings, however, should be interpreted in the context of a relatively low total institutional MAG burden. Choosing a second arterial conduit over saphenous vein grafts in specific patient subgroups might be reasonable. This hypothesis-generating finding should be investigated in future clinical trials in these patients.

Impact of Incomplete Revascularization on Long-term Survival Based on Revascularization Strategy

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the impact of complete revascularization (CR) and incomplete revascularization (IR) on long-term survival in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using multiple arterial graft (MAGs) or a single artery with saphenous vein grafts (SAGs).

METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2020, 12,625 patients underwent CABG and were divided into 4 groups: MAG CR (n = 1066), MAG IR (n = 286), SAG CR (n = 8360), and SAG IR (n = 2913). Inverse probability of treatment weighting based on the generalized propensity score was used to minimize imbalance between the groups.

RESULTS

In the weighted cohort, median follow-up time was 8.35 years (interquartile range, 5.01-11.6 years). MAG CR was associated with similar long-term survival compared with MAG IR (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% CI, 0.60-1.03; P = .084). SAG CR was associated with improved long-term survival compared with SAG IR (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52-0.84; P = .01). MAG CR was associated with better long-term survival compared with SAG CR (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.35-0.57; P < .001). Moreover, MAG IR was protective compared with SAG IR (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45-0.85; P = .033). Additional analysis was performed comparing perfect CR vs imperfect CR vs IR in MAG and SAG patients, separately. In the weighted sample of MAG, there were no differences in the long-term survival between perfect CR, imperfect CR, and IR. However, in the weighted sample of the SAG cohort, SAG perfect CR was associated with improved survival compared with SAG imperfect CR (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.0.72-0.92; P = .001). Whereas, SAG perfect and imperfect CR were both associated with improved survival compared with SAG IR (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.0.35-0.87; P = .006 and HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.64-0.82; P < .001), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MAG CR is associated with better survival compared with SAG CR. If IR is inevitable, patients with MAG IR had better long-term survival compared with patients receiving SAG IR. Moreover, similar long-term survival is observed whether perfect CR, imperfect CR, or IR is achieved in the MAG population but not in SAG patients.

Intimal hyperplasia, saphenous vein graft disease, and clinical outcomes: Insights from the CTSN VEST randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Diffuse intimal hyperplasia and graft irregularity adversely affect the long-term patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The VEST trial evaluated the efficacy of external graft support in limiting the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH) at 1 year postsurgery. In the present secondary analysis, we explored the associations between graft disease and IH and clinical events. We also examined risk factors for early graft occlusion.

METHODS

VEST is a within-patient randomized, multicenter trial that enrolled 224 patients with multivessel coronary disease undergoing CABG surgery, of whom 203 were evaluated by 1 year postsurgery. Intimal hyperplasia, lumen uniformity, graft stenosis, and graft perfusion were measured by intravascular ultrasound and angiography. Major cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; including death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization) were recorded over a median follow-up of 3 years.

RESULTS

Worse lumen uniformity, greater stenosis, and worse graft perfusion were associated with higher IH values and an increased incidence of clinical events. Consistent with previous findings, we identified endoscopic vein harvesting, female sex, and transit time flow measurement of pulsatility index and flow as risk factors for SVG occlusion during the first year postsurgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In this secondary analysis of the VEST trial, we observed an association between intimal hyperplasia area and clinical measures of SVG disease at 1 year postsurgery. More severe SVG disease and larger areas of IH were associated with a higher incidence of 3-year MACCE. Ongoing follow-up to 5 years will further elucidate the impact of SVG disease on long-term clinical outcomes of CABG.

Radial artery vs right internal mammary artery as a second conduit during coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical outcomes of radial artery (RA) grafts during CABG to those of right internal mammary artery (RIMA) grafts.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-institution cohort study of isolated CABG with multiple grafts between 2010-2022. To balance graft cohorts, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using a 1:1 match ratio. Long-term postoperative survival was compared among RA and RIMA groups. Similarly, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were compared among both cohorts, with MACCE comprising death, myocardial infarction (MI), coronary revascularization, and stroke. Kaplan-Meier estimation was performed for mortality, while cumulative incidence estimation was utilized for MACCE.

RESULTS

A total of 8,774 patients underwent CABG. Of those, 1,674 (19.1%) patients who underwent multiarterial CABG were included in this analysis. 326 (19.5%) patients received RA grafts and 1,348 (80.5%) received RIMA grafts. PSM yielded a cohort of 323 RA patients and 323 RIMA patients. After matching, groups were well-balanced across all baseline variables. No significant differences were observed in immediate postoperative complications or long-term survival, with 5-year survival estimates of 89.5% for the RA group vs 90.1% for the RIMA group. There was a nonsignificant trend toward a higher incidence of MACCE at 5 years in the RA group compared to the RIMA group (31.3% in the RA group vs 24.1% in the RIMA group), especially after 1-year follow-up (21.6% in the RA group vs 15.1% in the RIMA group). Specifically, for RA patients, there were higher rates of repeat revascularization in the 5-year postoperative period (14.7% in the RA group vs 5.3% in the RIMA group), particularly in the territory revascularized by the RA during the index operation (45.7% in the RA group vs 10.3% in the RIMA group).

CONCLUSION

Overall, RA and RIMA secondary conduits for CABG were associated with comparable immediate postoperative complications, 5-year MACCE, and 5-year survival after PSM. RA grafting was associated with significantly higher rates of repeat coronary revascularization at 5 years, specifically in the territory revascularized by the RA during the index operation.

Single versus multiple arterial coronary artery bypass grafting in men and women: results from Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures

BACKGROUND

The objective of this multicenter study aimed to investigate the impact of sex on long-term survival among patients with multivessel coronary artery disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using multiple arterial grafting (MAG) or a single artery with saphenous vein grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were obtained from the Polish National Registry of Cardiac Surgery Procedures database. This study included 81 136 patients who underwent CABG for multivessel disease between January 2012 and December 2020 (22.9 were women and 77.1% were men). MAG was performed in 8.3 and 11.7% of female and male patients, respectively. A 1:1 propensity score (PS)-matching was performed. Long-term mortality was compared between matched groups of men and women. Subgroup analyses of patients aged <70 and ≥70 years, with an ejection fraction (EF) >40% and ≤40%, and with and without diabetes, obesity, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or chronic lung disease (CLD) were performed separately in women and men.

RESULTS

MAG was associated with lower long-term mortality than saphenous vein grafts in 1528 PS-matched female pairs [hazard ratio (HR): 0.74; 95% CI: 0.59-0.92; P =0.007) and 7283 PS-matched male pairs (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.72-0.88; P <0.001). Subgroup analyses confirmed the results among female patients aged <70 years, with diabetes and EF >40%, and without PAD or CLD, and of male patients aged <70 and ≥70 years; with EF >40%; with or without diabetes, obesity, or PAD; and without CLD.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing CABG, MAG was associated with significantly improved survival in both sexes. The long-term benefits of MAG observed across subgroups of men and women support the consideration of a multiarterial revascularization strategy for a broader spectrum of patients.

Consensus statement-graft treatment in cardiovascular bypass graft surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is and continues to be the preferred revascularization strategy in patients with multivessel disease. Graft selection has been shown to influence the outcomes following CABG. During the last almost 60 years saphenous vein grafts (SVG) together with the internal mammary artery have become the standard of care for patients undergoing CABG surgery. While there is little doubt about the benefits, the patency rates are constantly under debate. Despite its acknowledged limitations in terms of long-term patency due to intimal hyperplasia, the saphenous vein is still the most often used graft. Although reendothelialization occurs early postoperatively, the process of intimal hyperplasia remains irreversible. This is due in part to the persistence of high shear forces, the chronic localized inflammatory response, and the partial dysfunctionality of the regenerated endothelium. "No-Touch" harvesting techniques, specific storage solutions, pressure controlled graft flushing and external stenting are important and established methods aiming to overcome the process of intimal hyperplasia at different time levels. Still despite the known evidence these methods are not standard everywhere. The use of arterial grafts is another strategy to address the inferior SVG patency rates and to perform CABG with total arterial revascularization. Composite grafting, pharmacological agents as well as latest minimal invasive techniques aim in the same direction. To give guide and set standards all graft related topics for CABG are presented in this expert opinion document on graft treatment.

Medical Therapy After CABG: the Known Knowns, the Known Unknowns, and the Unknown Unknowns

PURPOSE

Medical therapies play a central role in secondary prevention after surgical revascularization. While coronary artery bypass grafting is the most definitive treatment for ischemic heart disease, progression of atherosclerotic disease in native coronary arteries and bypass grafts result in recurrent adverse ischemic events. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent evidence regarding current therapies in secondary prevention of adverse cardiovascular outcomes after CABG and review the existing recommendations as they pertain to the CABG subpopulations.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are many pharmacologic interventions recommended for secondary prevention in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. Most of these recommendations are based on secondary outcomes from trials which include but did not focus on surgical patients as a cohort. Even those designed with CABG in mind lack the technical and demographic scope to provide universal recommendations for all CABG patients.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations for medical therapy after surgical revascularization are chiefly based on large-scale randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses. Much of what is known about medical management after surgical revascularization results from trials comparing surgical to non-surgical approaches and important characteristics of the operative patients are omitted. These omissions create a group of patients who are relatively heterogenous making solid recommendations elusive. While advances in pharmacologic therapies are clearly adding to the armamentarium of options for secondary prevention, knowing what patients benefit most from each therapeutic option remains challenging and a personalized approach is still required.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in left ventricular dysfunction: when and how

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The surgical management of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with low ejection fraction presents unique challenges that require meticulous attention to details and good surgical technique and judgement. This review details the latest evidence and best practices in the care of such patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

CABG in patients with low ejection fraction carries a significant risk of perioperative mortality and morbidity related to the development of postcardiotomy shock. Preoperative optimization with pharmacological or mechanical support is required, especially in patients with cardiogenic shock. Rapid and complete revascularization is what CABG surgeons aim to achieve. Multiple arterial revascularization should be reserved to selected patients. Off-pump CABG, on-pump breathing heart CABG, and new cardioplegic solutions remain of uncertain benefit compared with traditional CABG.

SUMMARY

Tremendous advancements in CABG allowed surgeons to offer revascularization to patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and multivessel disease with acceptable risk. Despite that, there is a lack of comprehensive and robust studies particularly on long-term outcomes. Individualized patient assessment and a heart team approach should be used to determine the optimal surgical strategy for each patient.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: Comparing the Long-Term Impact of Total Arterial Grafting With Multiarterial Plus Saphenous Vein Grafting

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes in a propensity matched population receiving total arterial grafting (TAG) and multiple arterial grafts (MAG) in addition to saphenous vein graft (SVG) following multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting requiring at least three distal anastomoses.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 655 patients from two centers met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups: TAG group (n = 231) and MAG + SVG group (n = 424). Propensity score matching was performed resulting in 231 pairs.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of early outcomes. Survival probabilities at 5, 10, and 15 y were 89.1% versus 94.2%, 76.2% versus 76.1%, and 66.7% versus 69.8% in the TAG and MAG + SVG groups, respectively (hazard ratio stratified on matched pairs: 0.90; 95% confidence interval [0.45-1.77]; P = 0.754). Freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) in the matched cohort did not show any significant difference between both groups. Probabilities at 5, 10, and 15 y were 82.7% versus 85.6%, 62.2% versus 75.3%, and 48.8% versus 59.5% in the TAG and MAG + SVG groups, respectively (hazard ratio stratified on matched pairs: 1.12; 95% confidence interval [0.65-1.92]; P = 0.679). Subgroup analyses of the matched cohort showed no significant difference between TAR with three arterial conduits compared to TAR with two arterial conduits with sequential grafting and MAG + SVG in terms of long-term survival and freedom from MACCE.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple arterial revascularizations in addition to SVG may yield comparable long-term outcomes in terms of survival and freedom from MACCE compared to total arterial revascularization.

Impact of repeat revascularization within 5 years on 10-year mortality after percutaneous or surgical revascularization

BACKGROUND

The SYNTAX trial demonstrated negative impact of repeat revascularization (RR) on 5-year outcomes following PCI/CABG in patients with three-vessel(3VD) and/or left main coronary artery disease(LMCAD). We aimed to investigate the impact of RR within 5 years, on 10-year mortality in patients with 3VD and/or LMCAD after PCI/CABG.

METHODS

The SYNTAXES study evaluated the vital status out to 10 years of patients with 3VD and/or LMCAD. Patients were stratified by RR within 5 years and randomized treatment. The association between RR within 5 years and 10-year mortality was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 330 out of 1800 patients (18.3%) underwent RR within 5 years. RR occurred more frequently after initial PCI than after initial CABG (25.9% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.001). Overall, 10-year mortality was comparable between patients undergoing RR and those not (28.2% vs. 26.1%, adjusted HR: 1.17, 95%CI 0.93-1.48, p = 0.187). In the PCI arm, RR was associated with a trend toward higher 10-year mortality (adjusted HR: 1.29, 95%CI 0.97-1.72, p = 0.075), while in the CABG arm, the trend was opposite (adjusted HR: 0.74, 95%CI 0.46-1.20, p = 0.219). Among patients requiring RR, those who underwent PCI as initial revascularization had a higher risk of 10-year mortality compared to initial CABG (33.5% vs. 17.6%, adjusted HR: 2.09, 95%CI 1.21-3.61, p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

In the SYNTAXES study, RR within 5 years had no impact on 10-year all-cause death in the population overall. Among patients requiring any repeat procedures, 10-year mortality was higher after initial treatment with PCI than after CABG. These exploratory findings should be investigated with larger populations in future studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov ; SYNTAXES Unique identifier: NCT03417050. URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov ; SYNTAX Unique identifier: NCT00114972.

Impact of Second Arterial Conduit on Outcomes Following Coronary Bypass Grafting

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes and long-term survival in patients following coronary artery bypass grafting in whom second arterial conduit or saphenous vein was used as well as to find out the most optimal second arterial graft.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and June 2018, 7,857 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into two groups: single internal thoracic artery (SITA) + Vein group (n = 7,140) and second arterial conduit group (n = 717), of these 537 patients received right internal thoracic artery (RITA) and 180 patients received radial artery (RA). We obtained 701 propensity-matched pairs for final comparison. Short-term outcomes included: 30-day mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE), reoperation for bleeding, and deep sternal wound infection (DSWI). The long-term outcome was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed between second arterial conduit versus SITA + Vein groups and between RITA versus RA groups in terms of 30-day mortality, 30-day MACCE, reoperation for bleeding, and incidence of DSWI in the matched cohort. The use of second arterial conduit was associated with a significant reduction in long-term mortality by 24% in the matched cohort (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.60-0.96; p = 0.02). RA and RITA as second arterial conduit had comparable long-term mortality (HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.69-1.82; p = 0.62).

CONCLUSION

The use of second arterial conduit, irrespective of type, is safe and associated with improved long-term survival compared with the second venous aortocoronary graft.

Multiple arterial coronary bypass grafting is associated with better survival compared with second-generation drug-eluting stents in patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare the long-term outcomes of multiarterial graft (MAG) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) to treat stable multivessel coronary artery disease.

METHODS

This study was a multicenter population-based retrospective analysis of all residents of Ontario, Canada, from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2019. We identified 3600 cases of elective primary isolated CABG with MAG and 2187 cases of PCI with second-generation DES.

RESULTS

After the application of propensity score-weighting using overlap weights, MAG was associated with better survival over 5 years compared with DES (96.8% vs 94.5%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.56; 95% CI, 0.37-0.85). MAG was also associated with better secondary outcomes including a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke (94.3% vs 88.5%; HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.36-0.65). The rate of death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization (91.2% vs 70.7%; HR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.20-0.30), and the individual end points of myocardial infarction (1.4% vs 6.9%; HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.13-0.35), and repeat revascularization (4.1% vs 24.2%; HR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.10-0.18) were lower with MAG. PCI with second-generation DES was associated with a lower rate of stroke up to 5 years (0.6% vs 1.8%; HR, 3.97; 95% CI, 1.45-10.88).

CONCLUSIONS

CABG with MAG was associated with better survival and fewer major cardiac adverse events compared with second-generation DES and might be considered the treatment of choice for patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Expert systematic review on the choice of conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting: endorsed by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)

PREAMBLE

The finalized document was endorsed by the EACTS Council and STS Executive Committee before being simultaneously published in the European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EJCTS) and The Annals of Thoracic Surgery (The Annals) and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (JTCVS).

Late Clinical Outcomes of Total Arterial Revascularization or Multiple Arterial Grafting Compared to Conventional Single Arterial with Saphenous Vein Grafting for Coronary Surgery

Coronary surgery provides better long-term outcomes than percutaneous coronary intervention. Conventional practice is to use a single arterial conduit supplemented by saphenous vein grafts. The use of multiple arterial revascularization (MAG), or exclusive arterial revascularization (TAR), however, is reported as having improved late survival. Survival is a surrogate for graft failure that may lead to premature death, and improved survival reflects fewer graft failures in the non-conventional strategy groups. The reasons for not using MAG or TAR may be due to perceived technical difficulties, a lack of definitive large-scale randomized evidence, a lack of confidence in arterial conduits, or resources or time constraints. Most people consider radial artery (RA) grafting to be new, with use representing approximately 2-5% worldwide, despite select centers reporting routine use in most patients for decades with improved results. In conclusion, the current body of evidence supports more extensive use of total and multiple arterial revascularization procedures in the absence of contraindications.

Angiographic Outcomes for Arterial and Venous Conduits Used in CABG

Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most commonly performed cardiac surgical procedure. Conduit selection is crucial to achieving early optimal outcomes, with graft patency being likely the main driver to long-term survival. We present a review of current evidence on the patency of arterial and venous bypass conduits and of differences in angiographic outcomes.

Long-term outcomes of patients receiving right internal thoracic artery or radial artery as a second arterial conduit. A propensity score matching study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the long-term outcomes in propensity matched patients receiving right internal thoracic artery(RITA) or radial artery(RA) as second arterial conduit during coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) with internal thoracic artery to the left anterior descending artery(LAD).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, propensity score matching was performed including 1198 patients from 3 centers resulting in 389-pairs who received either RITA or RA.

RESULTS

In the matched cohort, median follow-up time was 7.53 years(interquartile range, 4.35-11.81). Survival probabilities at 5, 10 and 15-years were 93.8% versus 94.5%, 81.2% versus 76.2% and 63.2% vs 62.5% in the RITA and RA groups, respectively(HR: 1.11; 95%CI;0.80-1.53; P = 0.533) Freedom from MACCE in the matched cohort at 5, 10 and 15-years were 92.0% versus 93.7%, 75.0% versus 73.8%, 72.2% and 46.9% vs 47.2% in the RITA and RA groups, respectively(HR: 0.96; 95%CI;0.74-1.26; P = 0.774). Subgroup analyses of the matched cohort showed comparable long-term outcomes in terms of MACCE at follow-up in patients with age older than 65-years, obese patients, diabetics, female patients and with impaired EF. As for target vessel revascularization, RITA and RA had comparable outcomes in terms of MACCE when the conduit was used to graft either the left coronary system or the right coronary system.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of RITA or RA as second arterial conduit during CABG with internal thoracic artery to the LAD is safe and associated with comparable long-term clinical outcomes. The choice of optimal second arterial conduit should be guided mainly by patients' characteristics and surgeons' preferences.

Differences in long-term survival outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting using single vs multiple arterial grafts: a meta-analysis with reconstructed time-to-event data and subgroup analyses

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed the available literature on patients with coronary artery disease undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with either single (SAG) or multiple arterial grafting (MAG).

METHODS

Original research studies that evaluated the long-term survival of MAG versus SAG were identified, from 1995 to 2022. The median overall survival (OS) and event-free OS were the primary endpoints. Comparison of median OS between the right internal mammary artery (RIMA) and radial artery (RA) as a second arterial conduit was the secondary endpoint. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding patients older than 70 years, with diabetes mellitus, and females. A sensitivity analysis was performed with the leave-one-out method.

RESULTS

Forty-four studies were included in the qualitative and thirty-nine in the quantitative synthesis. After pooling data from 180 to 459 patients, the MAG group demonstrated a higher OS (HR, 0.589; 95% CI, 0.58-0.60; p < 0.0001) and event-free OS compared with the SAG group (HR, 0.828; 95% CI, 0.80-0.86; p < 0.0001). In addition, RITA was associated with superior OS compared with RA as a second arterial conduit (HR, 0.936; 95% CI, 0.89-0.98; p = 0.009). MAG was also superior to SAG in patients over 70 years, females, and patients with diabetes mellitus. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated a small-size study effect on the female subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis indicates that MAG is associated with enhanced survival outcomes compared to SAG for patients undergoing isolated CABG.

Single versus multiple arterial grafting in diabetic patients at 10 years: the Arterial Revascularization Trial

AIMS

To evaluate the impact of multiple arterial grafting (MAG) vs. single arterial grafting (SAG) in a post hoc analysis of 10-year outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) from the Arterial Revascularization Trial (ART).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 10-year follow-up. Patients were stratified by diabetes status (non-DM and DM) and grafting strategy (MAG vs. SAG). A total of 3020 patients were included in the analysis; 716 (23.7%) had DM. Overall, 55.8% non-DM patients received MAG and 44.2% received SAG, while 56.6% DM patients received MAG and 43.4% received SAG. The use of MAG compared with SAG was associated with lower 10-year mortality for both non-DM [17.7 vs. 21.0%, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72-1.06] and DM patients (21.5 vs. 29.9%, adjusted HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.48-0.89; P for interaction = 0.12). For both groups, the rate of 10-year MACE was also lower for MAG vs. SAG. Overall, deep sternal wound infections (DSWIs) were uncommon but more frequent in the MAG vs. SAG group in both non-DM (3.3 vs. 2.1%) and DM patients (7.9 vs. 4.8%). The highest rates of DSWI were in insulin-treated patients receiving MAG (9.6 vs. 6.3%, when compared with SAG).

CONCLUSION

In this post hoc analysis of the ART, MAG was associated with substantially lower mortality rates at 10 years after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with DM. Patients with DM receiving MAG had a higher incidence of DSWI, especially if insulin dependent.

Why and How Should We Treat Chronic Total Occlusion? Evolution of State-of-the-Art Methods and Future Directions

Chronic total occlusions are considered the most complex coronary lesion in interventional cardiology. The absence of visible lumen on angiography obscures the vessel course and makes vessel wiring unlikely with conventional techniques. Often a source of severe ischemia, chronic occlusions are also markers of advanced atherosclerosis that brings other complex features including lesion length, bifurcations, calcification, adverse vessel remodelling, distal disease, and anatomic distortion from previous bypass grafting. Often advanced atherosclerosis is associated with patient characteristics like left ventricular dysfunction, previous coronary bypass surgery, or multivessel disease that increase procedural demands and hazards. To accommodate these challenges new techniques and dedicated technologies have been developed. When applied to appropriate patients, these advances have improved procedural success, safety, and outcomes. Our aim is to provide the general cardiologist with an overview of these advances that can serve as a basis for counselling patients considered for revascularization.

Sex-Related Outcomes of Medical, Percutaneous, and Surgical Interventions for Coronary Artery Disease: JACC Focus Seminar 3/7

Biological and sociocultural differences between men and women are complex and likely account for most of the variations in the epidemiology and treatment outcomes of coronary artery disease (CAD) between the 2 sexes. Worse outcomes in women have been described following both conservative and invasive treatments of CAD. For example, increased levels of residual platelet reactivity during treatment with antiplatelet drugs, higher rates of adverse cardiovascular outcomes following percutaneous coronary revascularization, and higher operative and long-term mortality after coronary bypass surgery have been reported in women compared with in men. Despite the growing recognition of sex-specific determinants of outcomes, representation of women in clinical studies remains low and sex-specific management strategies are generally not provided in guidelines. This review summarizes the current evidence on sex-related differences in patients with CAD, focusing on the differential outcomes following medical therapy, percutaneous coronary interventions, and coronary artery bypass surgery.

Coronary artery bypass grafting in low ejection fraction: state of the art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As the number of patients with reduced ejection fraction secondary to ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) increases, coronary artery bypass grafting is being used with increasing frequency. In this review, we summarize the different operative considerations in this vulnerable patient population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preoperative optimization with mechanical circulatory support devices, especially in the setting of hemodynamic instability, can reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. The advantage of advanced techniques, such as off-pump CABG and multiple arterial grafting remains unclear. Concomitant procedures, such as ablation for atrial fibrillation remain important considerations that should be tailored to the individual patients risk profile.

SUMMARY

Despite improvements in perioperative care of patients undergoing CABG, patients with a reduced ejection fraction remain at elevated risk of major morbidity and mortality. Preoperative optimization and careful selection of intraoperative techniques can lead to improved outcomes.

Does Age Affect the Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Coronary Bypass Grafting?

The etiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) is multifactorial, stemming from both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors such as age. Several studies have reported the effects of age on various outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This article reviews age-related outcomes of CABG and offers direction for further studies in the field to create comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of CAD. Ninety-two primary sources were analyzed for relevance to the subject matter, of which 17 were selected for further analysis: 14 retrospective cohort studies, 2 randomized clinical trials, and 1 meta-analysis. Our review revealed four broad age ranges into which patients can be grouped: those with CAD (1) below the age of 40 years, (2) between the ages of 40 and 60 years, (3) between the ages of 60 and 80 years, and (4) at or above 80 years. Patients below the age of 40 years fare best overall with total arterial revascularization (TAR). Patients between the ages of 40 and 60 years also fare well with the use of multiarterial grafts (MAGs) whereas either MAGs or single-arterial grafts may be of significant benefit to patients at or above the age of 60 years, with younger and diabetic patients benefitting the most. Arterial grafting is superior to vein grafting until the age of 80 years, at which point there is promising evidence supporting the continued use of the saphenous vein as the favored graft substrate. Age is a factor affecting the outcomes of CABG but should not serve as a barrier to offering patients CABG at any age from either a cost or a health perspective. Operative intervention starts to show significant mortality consequences at the age of 80 years, but the increased risk is countered by maintenance or improvement to patients' quality of life.

Long-Term Survival After On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

BACKGROUND

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be associated with increased hazard for long-term mortality as compared to on-pump CABG. We sought to evaluate risk-adjusted long-term survival after off-pump and on-pump CABG, particularly among high-volume and low-volume CABG surgeons.

METHODS

We evaluated 1,235,089 isolated CABGs (off-pump = 209,085; on-pump = 1,026,004) performed in Medicare beneficiaries from 2001-2015. Long-term hazard for mortality after off-pump versus on-pump CABG was compared with Kaplan-Meier and log-rank analysis among all CABG surgeons as well as high-volume and low-volume CABG surgeons, before and after inverse-probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to adjust for confounding.

RESULTS

Among all surgeons, off-pump CABG was associated with a statistically-significant hazard for mortality as compared to on-pump CABG before and after IPTW (median survival: off-pump 9.8 years vs on-pump 10.2 years; difference in median survival -134 days; log-rank p<0.001). Cox regression analysis confirmed an interaction between surgeon volume and long-term mortality. The hazard for mortality associated with off-pump CABG was decreased among high-volume surgeons (difference in median survival: -84 days; log-rank p<0.001) and increased among low-volume surgeons (difference in median survival: -240 days; long-rank p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Off-pump CABG was associated with a significant, but clinically modest, increased hazard for mortality as compared to on-pump CABG. The hazard was reduced when off-pump CABG was performed by high-volume CABG surgeons.

Multiarterial coronary grafting using the radial artery as a second arterial graft: how far does the survival benefit extend?

OBJECTIVES

Despite the 10-year results of the Arterial Revascularization Trial, the controversy regarding the survival benefit of multiarterial grafting (MAG) remains. Our goal was to present our long-term survival data in this propensity-matched observational study.

METHODS

A primary unmatched population of 4303 patients with first-time isolated coronary artery bypass grafts operated on between 2000 and 2018 were included. A total of 1187 post-matched patients were compared with matched controls. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard analyses were undertaken to assess the contribution of MAG and other covariates to the long-term survival of unmatched and propensity-matched populations.

RESULTS

MAG was associated with increased median survival in both the unmatched and the matched groups; difference: 962 and 1459 days, log-rank tests; P = 0.029 and 0.0004, respectively. MAG was associated with a reduced hazard of death in the unmatched as well as in the matched groups: hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.72 (0.62-0.83); P < 0.0001 and 0.75 (0.64-0.88); P ≤ 0.0001, respectively. In the matched group, the prosurvival factors were low logistic EuroSCORE, obesity, no intra-aortic balloon pump, an ejection fraction >30%, age 50-69 years, operation by an experienced surgeon, with and without diabetes, on-pump surgery and 3 distal anastomoses. In a cohort of 242 late-presenting patients with reinfarction or recurrent angina, both MAG and control populations were associated with reduced median survival; median (95% CI): MAG: 3026 (1138-3503); control: 3035 (2134-3991), log-rank P = 0.217 with superior patency of the left internal mammary artery but no difference between radial artery and saphenous vein grafts.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiarterial revascularization, especially using the radial artery as a second arterial conduit, is associated with a significant survival benefit and a lack of in-hospital morbidity.

Sex differences in outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting: a pooled analysis of individual patient data

AIMS

Data suggest that women have worse outcomes than men after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but results have been inconsistent across studies. Due to the large differences in baseline characteristics between sexes, suboptimal risk adjustment due to low-quality data may be the reason for the observed differences. To overcome this limitation, we undertook a systematic review and pooled analysis of high-quality individual patient data from large CABG trials to compare the adjusted outcomes of women and men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and repeat revascularization (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, MACCE). The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. Multivariable mixed-effect Cox regression was used. Four trials involving 13 193 patients (10 479 males; 2714 females) were included. Over 5 years of follow-up, women had a significantly higher risk of MACCE [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.21; P = 0.004] but similar mortality (adjusted HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.94-1.14; P = 0.51) compared to men. Women had higher incidence of MI (adjusted HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.11-1.52) and repeat revascularization (adjusted HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.43) but not stroke (adjusted HR 1.17, 95% CI 0.90-1.52). The difference in MACCE between sexes was not significant in patients 75 years and older. The use of off-pump surgery and multiple arterial grafting did not modify the difference between sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Women have worse outcomes than men in the first 5 years after CABG. This difference is not significant in patients aged over 75 years and is not affected by the surgical technique.

Whatever happens, two mammary is better than one

It is well known that the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) should be the first conduit of choice. Similarly, especially in patients younger than 70 years, other conduits should be search among arterial grafts, such as right internal mammary artery (RIMA) or radial artery (RA). If the RA can be harvested in the meanwhile of LIMA harvesting without time consuming, it is well established that former one has to be grafted only on presence of a good run-off. One of the main criticisms moved to the use of RIMA are linked to technical difficulties in its harvesting it.

Myocardial Revascularization Surgery: JACC Historical Breakthroughs in Perspective

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was introduced in the 1960s as the first procedure for direct coronary artery revascularization and rapidly became one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide, with an overall total of more than 20 million operations performed. CABG continues to be the most common cardiac surgical procedure performed and has been one of the most carefully studied therapies. Best CABG techniques, optimal bypass conduits, and appropriate patient selection have been rigorously tested in landmark clinical trials, some of which have resolved controversy and most of which have stoked further debate and trials. The evolution of CABG cannot be properly portrayed without presenting it in the context of the parallel development of percutaneous coronary intervention. In this Historical Perspective, we a provide a broad overview of the history of coronary revascularization with a focus on the foundations, evolution, best evidence, and future directions of CABG.

Association of Age With 10-Year Outcomes After Coronary Surgery in the Arterial Revascularization Trial

BACKGROUND

The association of age with the outcomes of bilateral internal thoracic arteries (BITAs) versus single internal thoracic arteries (SITAs) for coronary bypass grafting (CABG) remains to be determined.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between age and BITA versus SITA outcomes in the Arterial Revascularization Trial.

METHODS

The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and a composite of major adverse events, including all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Secondary endpoints were bleeding complications and sternal wound complications up to 6 months after surgery. Multivariable fractional polynomials analysis and log-rank tests were used.

RESULTS

Age did not affect any of the explored outcomes in the overall BITA versus SITA comparison in the intention-to-treat analysis and in the analysis based on the number of arterial grafts received. However, when the intention-to-treat analysis was restricted to the populations of patients between age 50 and 70 years, younger patients in the BITA arm had a significantly lower incidence of major adverse events (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that BITA may improve long-term outcome in younger patients, although more randomized data are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

10-Year Follow-Up After Revascularization in Elderly Patients With Complex Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

The optimal revascularization strategy for the elderly with complex coronary artery disease remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to investigate 10-year all-cause mortality, life expectancy, 5-year major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and 5-year quality of life (QOL) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in elderly individuals (>70 years old) with 3-vessel disease (3VD) and/or left main disease (LMD).

METHODS

In the present pre-specified analysis on age of the SYNTAX Extended Survival study, 10-year all-cause death and 5-year MACCE were compared with Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models among elderly or nonelderly patients. Life expectancy was estimated by restricted mean survival time within 10 years, and QOL status according to the Seattle Angina Questionnaire up to 5 years was assessed by linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Among 1,800 randomized patients, 575 patients (31.9%) were elderly. Ten-year mortality did not differ significantly between PCI and CABG in elderly (44.1% vs. 41.1%; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84 to 1.40) and nonelderly patients (21.1% vs. 16.6%; HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.69; p_interaction = 0.332). Among elderly patients, 5-year MACCE was comparable between PCI and CABG (39.4% vs. 35.1%; HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.56), whereas it was significantly higher in PCI over CABG among nonelderly patients (36.3% vs. 23.0%; HR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.36 to 2.10; p_interaction = 0.043). There were no significant difference in life expectancy (mean difference: 0.2 years in favor of CABG; 95% CI: -0.4 to 0.7) and 5-year QOL status between PCI and CABG among elderly patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with 3VD and/or LMD had comparable 10-year all-cause death, life expectancy, 5-year MACCE, and 5-year QOL status irrespective of revascularization mode. (Synergy Between PCI With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery: SYNTAX Extended Survival [SYNTAXES]; NCT03417050) (SYNTAX Study: TAXUS Drug-Eluting Stent Versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for the Treatment of Narrowed Arteries [SYNTAX]; NCT00114972).

The Anaortic Technique with Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting - Filling the Gap in Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has consolidated its role as the most effective procedure for treating patients with advanced atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, reducing the long-term risk of myocardial infarction and death compared to other therapies and relieving angina. Despite the recognized benefits afforded by surgical myocardial revascularization, a subset of higher-risk patients bears a more elevated risk of perioperative stroke. Stroke remains the drawback of conventional CABG and has been strongly linked to aortic manipulation (cannulation, cross-clamping, and side-biting clamping for the performance of proximal aortic anastomoses) and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Adoption of off-pump CABG (OPCAB) is demonstrated to lower the risk of perioperative stroke, as well as reducing the risk of short-term mortality, renal failure, atrial fibrillation, bleeding, and length of intensive care unit stay. However, increased risk persists owing to the need for the tangential ascending aorta clamping to construct the proximal anastomosis. The concept of anaortic (aorta no-touch) OPCAB (anOPCAB) stems from eliminating ascending aorta manipulation, virtually abolishing the risk of embolism caused by aortic wall debris into the brain circulation. The adoption of anOPCAB has been shown to further decrease the risk of postoperative stroke, especially in higher-risk patients, entailing a step forward and a refinement of outcomes provided by the primeval OPCAB technique. Therefore, anOPCAB has been the recommended technique in patients with cerebrovascular disease and/or calcification or atheromatous plaque in the ascending aorta and should be preferred in patients with high-risk factors for neurological damage and stroke.

Multiple arterial conduits for multi-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with mild to moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a multicenter retrospective study

Background

Advantages of multiple arterial conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) have been reported previously. We aimed to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of multiple arterial CABG (MABG) among patients with mild to moderate left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD).

Methods

This multicenter study using propensity score matching took place from January 2013 to June 2019 in Jiangsu Province and Shanghai, China, with a mean and maximum follow-up of 3.3 and 6.8 years, respectively. We included patients with mild to moderate LVSD, undergoing primary, isolated multi-vessel CABG with left internal thoracic artery. The in-hospital and mid-term outcomes of MABG versus conventional left internal thoracic artery supplemented by saphenous vein grafts (single arterial CABG) were compared. The primary end points were death from all causes and death from cardiovascular causes. The secondary end points were stroke, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, and a composite of all mentioned outcomes, including death from all causes (major adverse events). Sternal wound infection was included with 6 months of follow-up after surgery.

Results

243 and 676 patients were formed in MABG and single arterial CABG cohorts after matching in a 1:3 ratio. In-hospital death was not significantly different (MABG 1.6% versus single arterial CABG 2.2%, p = 0.78). After a mean (±SD) follow-up time of 3.3 ± 1.8 years, MABG was associated with lower rates of major adverse events (HR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.44–0.94; p = 0.019), myocardial infarction (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.16–0.99; p = 0.045) and repeat revascularization (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.18–0.97; p = 0.034). There was no difference in the rates of death, stroke, and sternal wound infection.

Conclusions

MABG was associated with reduced mid-term rates of major adverse events and cardiovascular events and may be the procedure of choice for patients with mild to moderate LVSD requiring CABG.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-021-01463-5.

Differences in Long-term Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using Single vs Multiple Arterial Grafts and the Association With Sex

Importance

Sex-related differences in the outcome of using multiple arterial grafts during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remain uncertain.

Objective

To compare the outcomes of the use of multiple arterial grafts vs a single arterial graft during CABG for women and men.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This statewide cohort study used data from New York's Cardiac Surgery Reporting System and New York's Vital Statistics file on 63 402 patients undergoing CABG from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2014. Statistical analysis was performed from January 10 to August 20, 2020.

Exposures

Multiple arterial grafting or single arterial grafting.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, repeated revascularization, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (composite of mortality, AMI, and stroke), and major adverse cardiac event (composite of mortality, AMI, or repeated revascularization) were compared among propensity-matched patients and stratified by the risk of long-term mortality.

Results

Of the 63 402 patients (48 155 men [76.0%]; mean [SD] age, 69.9 [10.5] years) in the study, women had worse baseline characteristics than men for most of the explored variables. Propensity matching yielded a total of 9512 male pairs and 1860 female pairs. At 7 years of follow-up, mortality was lower among men who underwent multiple arterial grafting (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73-0.87) but not women who underwent multiple arterial grafting (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.84-1.15). When stratified by the estimated risk of death, the use of multiple arterial grafts was associated with better survival and a lower rate of a major adverse cardiac event among low-risk, but not high-risk, patients of both sexes, and the risk cutoff was different for men and women.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that women have a worse preoperative risk profile than men. Multiple arterial grafting is associated with better outcomes among low-risk, but not high-risk, patients, and the risk cutoffs differ between sexes. These data highlight the need for new studies on the outcome of multiple arterial grafts in women.

Endoscopic vein harvesting

Coronary artery bypass grafting is the most common cardiac surgical procedure performed worldwide and the long saphenous vein the most common conduit for this. When performed as an open vein harvest (OVH), the incision on each leg can be up to 85cm long, making it the longest incision of any routine procedure. This confers a high degree of morbidity to the procedure. Endoscopic vein harvest (EVH) methods were popularised over two decades ago, demonstrating significant benefits over OVH in terms of leg wound complications including surgical site infections. They also appeared to hasten return to usual activities and wound healing and became popular particularly in North America. Subgroup analyses of two trials designed for other purposes created a period of uncertainty between 2009–2013 while the impact of endoscopic vein harvesting on vein graft patency and major adverse cardiac events was scrutinised. Large observational studies debunked the findings of increased mortality in the short-term, allowing practitioners and governing bodies to regain some confidence in the procedure. A well designed, adequately powered, randomised controlled trial published in 2019 also definitively demonstrated that there was no increase in death, myocardial infarction or repeat revascularisation with endoscopic vein harvest. Endoscopic vein harvest is a Class IIa indication in European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and a Class I indication in International Society of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery (ISMICS) guidelines.

Predictors and In-Hospital Outcomes Among Patients Using a Single Versus Bilateral Mammary Arteries in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

The benefit of bilateral mammary artery (BIMA) use during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) continues to be debated. This study examined nationwide trends in BIMA use and factors influencing its utilization. Using the National Inpatient Sample, adults undergoing isolated multivessel CABG between 2005 and 2015 were identified and stratified based on the use of a single mammary artery or BIMA. Regression models were fit to identify patient and hospital level predictors of BIMA use and characterize the association of BIMA on outcomes including sternal infection, mortality, and resource utilization. An estimated 4.5% (n = 60,698) of patients underwent CABG with BIMA, with a steady increase from 3.8% to 5.0% over time (p<0.001). Younger age, male gender, and elective admission, were significant predictors of BIMA use. Moreover, private insurance was associated with higher odds of BIMA use (adjusted odds ratio 1.24) compared with Medicare. BIMA use was not a predictor of postoperative sternal infection, in-hospital mortality, or hospitalization costs. Overall, BIMA use remains uncommon in the United States despite no significant differences in acute postoperative outcomes. Several patient, hospital, and socioeconomic factors appear to be associated with BIMA utilization.

Training for Multiple Arterial Grafting: A Thoracic Surgery Resident Survey

BACKGROUND

Utilization of multiple arterial grafting (MAG) in the United States is less than 10%. Trainee experience with MAG has not previously been examined.

METHODS

A total of 497 thoracic surgery residents in accredited training programs in March 2019 and 115 who completed residency in 2018 were electronically surveyed regarding their experience with MAG using a radial artery (RA) graft or bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) grafts with a skeletonized mammary (SM).

RESULTS

Eighty-four (14%) trainees responded: 54% had completed 2+ years of training and 87% declared their focus as cardiac, undecided, or both cardiac and thoracic (CUB). Of all 84 respondents, 76% (n = 64 of 84) had no experience with RA harvest. A total of 35% (n = 29 of 84) had no experience with SM harvest. The majority, 68% (n = 57 of 84), used BIMA grafting in 0% to 5% of cases. A total of 61% (n = 51 of 84) used RA conduit in 0% to 5% of cases. Among trainees with 2+ years of experience, 56% (n = 25 of 45) had performed more than 6 SM takedowns, 18% (n = 8 of 45) had no experience. In trainees with 2+ years, 20% (n = 9 of 45) performed more than 5 RA harvests, while 80% (n = 36 of 45) had no experience. Examining integrated 6-year residents with greater than 3 years of experience, only 33% (n = 5 of 15) performed more than 5% RA grafting. A total of 90% of CUB trainees wanted to perform MAG in practice and 75% felt prepared to do so.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite substantial variation in MAG training, respondents expressed an overwhelming interest in performing MAG. These data and the reality of MAG utilization in the United States indicate that a more rigorous, standardized approach to MAG training may be required.

Neighborhood socioeconomic status is associated with differences in operative management and long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE

We sought to characterize differences in operative management and surgical outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting associated with the socioeconomic context in which a patient lives.

METHODS

We used a validated index of 17 variables derived from the US Census Bureau to assign socioeconomic status at the block group level to patients who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting at a single institution over a 16-year period. Operative mortality, stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, sternal wound infection, reoperation, composite morbidity or mortality, long-term survival, and use of arterial conduits were the outcomes assessed.

RESULTS

This study was composed of 6751 patients. Lower socioeconomic status was significantly associated with increased rates of stroke, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, and composite morbidity or mortality in a multivariable analysis. Low socioeconomic status was significantly associated with poorer long-term adjusted survival (hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.55). Finally, lower socioeconomic status was significantly associated with decreased use of more than 1 arterial conduits in a multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The socioeconomic context in which a patient lives is significantly associated with short- and long-term outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. There may also be variation in operative management, demonstrated by decreased use of arterial conduits. Lower rates of arterial revascularization among socioeconomically disadvantaged patients who undergo coronary artery revascularization may provide a target for intervention.