Survival enhancing indications for coronary artery bypass graft surgery in California.

Background: Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is performed because of anticipated survival benefit, improvement in quality of life, or both. We performed this study to explore variations in clinical indications for CABG surgery among California hospitals and surgeons.

Methods: Using California CABG Outcomes Reporting Program data, we classified all isolated CABG cases in 2003-2004 as having "probable survival enhancing indications (SEIs)", "possible SEIs" or "non-SEIs.

Off-pump coronary surgery: effect on early mortality and stroke.

Background: Avoiding cardiopulmonary bypass in coronary artery bypass grafting is thought to reduce early mortality and morbidity.

Methods: We used our prospective database to compare all patients having off-pump coronary surgery (n = 389) with those having on-pump coronary surgery (n = 2412) between March 15, 1995, and November 1, 2000. Patients were grouped by age (years) in decades (>90, 80-89, 70-79, 60-69, <60 years).