Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing non-emergent coronary artery bypass grafting.

Objectives: Although the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and adverse surgical outcomes has been previously demonstrated, the impact of COPD severity on postoperative mortality and morbidity remains unclear. Our objective was to analyse the prognostic implication of COPD stages as defined by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.

Methods: Between September 1997 and April 2010, 13,638 patients undergoing first time isolated CABG were retrospectively reviewed, of whom 2421 patients were excluded due to lack of spirometry records or restrictive pattern on spirometry.

Does avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass confer any benefits in octogenarians undergoing coronary surgery?

Objectives: There remain concerns about hospital outcomes in octogenarians being referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Avoiding the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) may be an attractive option to improve early outcomes in this group of patients.

Methods: Between April 1997 and March 2010, 343 consecutive patients aged 80-89 years received isolated first time CABG.

Cardiac surgery take-away kit.

Background: Trauma to the heart is usually rapidly fatal, but survival can be improved with timely and appropriate surgical management. However, certain injuries require specialist cardiothoracic surgical intervention.

Methods: Three patients with coronary artery lacerations treated by cardiac surgeons at remote hospitals are presented.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections following cardiac surgery: incidence, impact and identifying adverse outcome traits.

Objective: To assess the incidence and impact of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections on cardiac surgery outcomes and to identify adverse outcome traits.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from cardiac surgical and microbiology databases between April 2000 and March 2005. The overall and yearly incidence of positive MRSA cultures was examined along with the distribution of clinical infections and the associated mortality.

Effect of risk-adjusted diabetes on mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Background: Diabetes is commonly regarded as a risk factor for mortality and morbidity after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Methods: Between April 1997 and December 2002, 6,033 consecutive patients underwent isolated coronary artery bypass surgery. Eight hundred and fourteen (13.

Timing of intra-aortic balloon pump support and 1-year survival.

Objective: The relationship between the timing of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support and surgical outcome remains a subject of debate. Peri-operative mechanical circulatory support is commenced either prophylactically or after increasing inotropic support has proved inadequate. This study evaluates the effect timing of IABP support on the 1-year survival of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.