Canonical correlation analysis of risk factors and clinical outcomes in cardiac surgery.

Assessment of the association between risk factors and outcomes in cardiac surgery is a complex problem. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between possible risk factors and several clinical outcomes in cardiac surgery by using canonical correlation analysis (CCA). This retrospective study of 2605 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery, evaluated 74 potential risk factors and up to 12 outcomes by canonical correlation analysis.

Priority setting in cardiac surgery: a survey of decision making and ethical issues.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine priority setting for coronary artery bypass surgery, and to provide an overview of decisions and rationales used in clinical practice.

Method: Questionnaires were sent to all permanently employed cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and anaesthesiologists at nine Swedish hospitals performing adult cardiothoracic surgery.

Results: A total of 208 physicians responded (a 44% return rate).

Clinical process analysis and activity-based costing at a heart center.

Cost studies, productivity, efficiency, and quality of care measures, the links between resources and patient outcomes, are fundamental issues for hospital management today. This paper describes the implementation of a model for process analysis and activity-based costing (ABC)/management at a Heart Center in Sweden as a tool for administrative cost information, strategic decision-making, quality improvement, and cost reduction. A commercial software package (QPR) containing two interrelated parts, "ProcessGuide and CostControl," was used.

Risk factor analysis of early and delayed cerebral complications after cardiac surgery.

Objective: To report the incidence, severity, and possible risk factors for early and delayed cerebral complications.

Design: Retrospective study.

Setting: Linköping University Hospital, Sweden.

Superficial and deep sternal wound complications: incidence, risk factors and mortality.

Objectives: Sternal wound complications often have a late onset and are detected after patients are discharged from the hospital. In an effort to catch all sternal wound complications, different postdischarge surveillance methods have to be used. Together with this long-term follow-up an analysis of risk factors may help to identify patients at risk and can lead to more effective preventive and control measures.