Preoperative atrial fibrillation portends poor outcomes after coronary bypass graft surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Association of carotid duplex ultrasonography screening with stroke and mortality among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE

Selection criteria for carotid duplex ultrasonography screening (DUS) before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is primarily based on limited observational analysis, and the risks associated with carotid artery stenosis (CAS) detected by this approach to preoperative DUS are uncertain. This study aimed to determine the association of carotid DUS with stroke and mortality among patients undergoing CABG.

METHODS

Adult patients with coronary artery disease who underwent isolated CABG or CABG with concomitant valvular or congenital procedure were identified. CHA2DS2-VASc score was assessed before CABG, and patients were recorded as high risk if they had a score of 3 or higher. The primary outcomes were stroke and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included ischemic stroke, non-ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

Among 8958 patients who underwent CABG, 70.9% (n = 6347) received carotid DUS preoperatively (low-risk, 57.3%; high-risk, 42.7%). In the low-risk cohort, there was no significant difference in the risk of stroke (20.7 per 1000 patient-years for CAS vs 13.1 per 1000 patient-years for no CAS; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.78-1.68) or mortality (20.5 per 1000 patient-years for CAS vs 16.8 per 1000 patient-years for no CAS; aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.97-1.83) at 15 years. In the high-risk cohort, CAS was associated with significantly higher risks of stroke at 30 days (433.2 vs 279.5 per 1000 patient-years; aHR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.00-3.70) and mortality at 15 years (38.4 vs 32.7 per 1000 patient-years; aHR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.01-1.57) compared with no CAS.

CONCLUSIONS

CAS did not impact the incidence of stroke or mortality in the low-risk cohort who underwent CABG. However, in the high-risk cohort, CAS was associated with a significant increase in the risks of 30-day stroke and 15-year mortality, indicating selective carotid DUS is necessarily recommended for these patients.

Surgical Coronary Revascularization in Patients With Underlying Atrial Fibrillation: State-of-the-Art Review

The number of individuals referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is reported to be 8% to 20%. Atrial fibrillation is a known marker of high-risk patients as it was repeatedly found to negatively influence survival. Therefore, when performing surgical revascularization, consideration should be given to the concomitant treatment of the arrhythmia, the clinical consequences of the arrhythmia itself, and the selection of adequate surgical techniques. This state-of-the-art review aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of, advancements in, and optimal strategies for CABG in patients with underlying AF. The following topics are considered: stroke prevention, prophylaxis and occurrence of postoperative AF, the role of surgical ablation and left atrial appendage occlusion, and an on-pump vs off-pump strategy. Multiple acute complications can occur in patients with preexisting AF undergoing CABG, each of which can have a significant effect on patient outcomes. Long-term results in these patients and the future perspectives of this scientific area were also addressed. Preoperative arrhythmia should always be considered for surgical ablation because such an approach improves prognosis without increasing perioperative risk. While planning a revascularization strategy, it should be noted that although off-pump coronary artery bypass provides better short-term outcomes, conventional on-pump approach may be beneficial at long-term follow-up. By collecting the current evidence, addressing knowledge gaps, and offering practical recommendations, this state-of-the-art review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians involved in the management of patients with AF undergoing CABG, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes and enhanced patient care.

2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Influence of concomitant ablation of nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation during coronary artery bypass grafting on mortality and readmissions

Objective

We determined the utilization rate of surgical ablation (SA) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and compared outcomes between CABG with or without SA in a national cohort.

Methods

The January 2016 to December 2018 Nationwide Readmissions Database was searched for all patients undergoing isolated CABG with preoperative persistent or chronic atrial fibrillation by using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision classification. Propensity score matching and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to compare outcomes, and Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess risk factors for 1-year readmission.

Results

Of 18,899 patients undergoing CABG with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation, 78% (n = 14,776) underwent CABG alone and 22% (n = 4123) underwent CABG with SA. In the propensity score-matched cohort (n = 8116), CABG with SA (n = 4054) (vs CABG alone [n = 4112]) was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality (3.4% [139 out of 4112] vs 3.9% [159 ut of 4054]; P = .4), index-hospitalization length of stay (10 days vs 10 days; P = .3), 30-day readmission (19.1% [693 out of 3362] vs 17.2% [609 out of 3537]; P = .2), or 90-day readmission (28.9% [840 out of 2911] vs 26.2% [752 out of 2875]; P = .1). Index hospitalization costs were significantly higher for those undergoing SA ($52,556 vs $47,433; P < .001). Rates of readmission at 300 days were similar between patients receiving SA (43.8%) and no SA (42.8%; log-rank P = .3). The 3 most common causes of readmission were not different between groups and included heart failure (24.3% [594 out of 2444]; P = .6), infection (16.8% [411 out of 2444]; P = .5), and arrhythmia (11.7% [286 out of 2444]; P = .2).

Conclusions

In patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation, utilization of SA during CABG remains low. SA during CABG did not adversely influence mortality or short-term readmissions. These findings support increased use of SA during CABG.

The long-term impact of postoperative atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery

OBJECTIVE

The literature has reported worse in-hospital outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation. The objective of the following study is to provide detailed results on the long-term impact of postoperative atrial fibrillation on survival and hospital readmission in cardiac surgery.

METHODS

All patients undergoing open cardiac surgery were reviewed with the exclusion of preoperative atrial fibrillation or patients undergoing ventricular assist device, transplant, or Cox-Maze procedures. Propensity matching (1:1) was performed to ensure similar baseline characteristics. Multivariable analysis identified significant associations with mortality and readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 12,227 patients with cardiac disease were divided into 7927 patients (64.8%) without postoperative atrial fibrillation and 4300 patients (35.2%) with new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation. Propensity matching (1:1) yielded 4275 risk-adjusted pairs. There was no difference between the nonpostoperative atrial fibrillation versus postoperative atrial fibrillation cohorts regarding operative mortality (4.61% vs 4.12%; P = .26) and stroke (2.32% vs 2.76%; P = .191). Patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation had higher rates of reoperation (12.12% vs 6.83%; P < .001), transfusion (43.42% vs 36.94%; P < .001), sepsis (1.99% vs 0.80%; P < .001), prolonged ventilation (15.88% vs 9.24% vs; P < .001), pneumonia (6.60% vs 2.36%; P < .001), renal failure (6.90% vs 3.37%; P < .001), and dialysis (4.94% vs 2.08%; P < .001). The postoperative atrial fibrillation cohort had a significantly higher incidence of atrial fibrillation on follow-up (11.74% vs 4.75%; P < .001). Postoperative atrial fibrillation was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.21; 1.12-1.33; P < .001), all-cause readmissions (hazard ratio, 1.05; 1.01-1.1; P = .010), and heart failure-specific readmission (hazard ratio, 1.14; 1.04-1.26; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in the postoperative atrial fibrillation cohort had worse perioperative morbidity, lower survival, and more readmissions for heart failure on long-term follow-up.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Septicemia and mortality after noncardiac surgery associated with CHA2DS2-VASc score: a retrospective cohort study based on a real-world database

Background

Little was know about the association between the CHA2DS2-VASc score and postoperative outcomes. Our purpose is to evaluate the effects of CHA2DS2-VASc score on the perioperative outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

We identified 47,402 patients with AF over the age of 20 years who underwent noncardiac surgeries between 2008 and 2013 from claims data of the National Health Insurance in Taiwan. The CHA2DS2-VASc score was used to evaluate postoperative complications, mortality and the consumption of medical resources by calculating adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Compared with patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0, patients with scores ≥ 5 had an increased risk of postoperative septicemia (OR 2.76, 95% CI 2.00–3.80), intensive care (OR 2.55, 95% CI 2.12–3.06), and mortality (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.14–3.64). There was a significant positive correlation between risk of postoperative complication and the CHA2DS2-VASc score (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The CHA2DS2-VASc score was highly associated with postoperative septicemia, intensive care, and 30-day mortality among AF patients. Cardiologists and surgical care teams may consider using the CHA2DS2-VASc score to evaluate perioperative outcome risks in patients with AF.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12893-021-01209-z.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2021 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2021 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors related to cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

Each of the 27 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2020 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports on the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2020 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, metrics to assess and monitor healthy diets, an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, a focus on the global burden of cardiovascular disease, and further evidence-based approaches to changing behaviors, implementation strategies, and implications of the American Heart Association's 2020 Impact Goals.

RESULTS

Each of the 26 chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policy makers, media professionals, clinicians, healthcare administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Ablation of atrial fibrillation during coronary artery bypass grafting: Late outcomes in a Medicare population

BACKGROUND

This study compares outcomes of patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without concomitant atrial fibrillation ablation in a nationally representative Medicare cohort.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined early and late outcomes in CABG patients with a preoperative history of atrial fibrillation to determine the correlation between surgical atrial fibrillation ablation to mortality and stroke or systemic embolization.

METHODS

In the Medicare-linked Society of Thoracic Surgeons database, 361,138 patients underwent isolated CABG from 2006 to 2013; 34,600 (9.6%) had preoperative atrial fibrillation; 10,541 (30.5%) were treated with surgical ablation (ablation group), and 23,059 were not (no ablation group). Propensity score matching was performed using a hierarchical mixed model. Long-term survival was summarized using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression models with robust variance estimation. The stroke or systemic embolization incidence was modeled using the Fine-Gray model. Median follow-up was 4 years.

RESULTS

Long-term mortality in propensity score-matched CABG patients (mean age 74 years; Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score, 2.25) receiving ablation versus no ablation was similar (log-rank P = .30). Stroke or systemic embolization occurred in 2.2% versus 2.1% at 30 days and 9.9% versus 12.0% at 5 years (Gray P = .0091). Landmark analysis from 2 to 5 years showed lower mortality (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval 0.82-0.97; P = .0358) and lower risk of stroke or systemic embolization (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.87; P = .0006) in the ablation group.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant ablation in CABG patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with lower stroke or systemic embolization and mortality in patients who survive more than 2 years.

Surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation concomitant to coronary-artery bypass grafting provides cost-effective mortality reduction

BACKGROUND

Data on the longitudinal impact of surgical ablation (SA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remain limited. This study examined 2-year risk-adjusted mortality and total hospital costs in Medicare beneficiaries with AF requiring CABG with or without SA.

METHODS

CABG was performed in 3745 Medicare beneficiaries with AF in 2013, with concomitant SA in 17% (626 of 3745). Risk-adjusted mortality, morbidity, and cost during the first 2 postoperative years for patients with SA and those without SA were compared. A piecewise Cox proportional hazard model (0-90 days and 91-729 days) was used to risk-adjust mortality.

RESULTS

Compared with the no SA group, the SA group had lower rates of heart failure before surgery (31% vs 36%), chronic lung disease (27% vs 33%), renal failure (4% vs 7%), and urgent or emergent presentation (34% vs 49%) (all P < .05). Risk-adjusted index admission costs were higher with SA (rate ratio [RR], 1.11; P < .01), as were readmissions for AF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.29; P = .04) and pacemaker/defibrillator implantation (HR, 1.37; 95%, 1.08-1.74; P = .01). Risk-adjusted inpatient days and inpatient costs were similar after 2 years (RR, 0.97; P = .31 and RR = 1.04; P = .17, respectively); however, the risk-adjusted hazard for late mortality (91-729 days) was significantly lower with SA (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.97; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AF requiring CABG, SA was associated with a 29% lower risk-adjusted hazard for late mortality. Index hospital costs were higher with SA, but total inpatient costs were not different in the 2 groups after 2 years. SA appears to be a cost-effective intervention to enhance late 2-year survival in patients with AF undergoing CABG.