Sammanfattning
INTERPRETATION : Due to continuous improvement of technical equipment and treatment strategies, coronary artery bypass surgery represents a safe option for both high and low risk patients.
RESULTS : Median age increased for both genders, from 58 years to 64 years for males and 62.5 years to 69 years for females. The female proportion increased from 12.8% to 19.8%. A high operative risk profile was registered in 23.7% in 1989 compared to 61.8% in 1998. Heparin-coated extracorporeal equipment and blood cardioplegia were gradually introduced in routine practice. Despite higher age and operative risk profile the morbidity and hospital mortality (0.41% overall) remained nearly unchanged.
MATERIAL AND METHODS : Our database includes more than 160 variables per patient, covering preoperative risk factors, catheterization data, operative and postoperative results. These data form the basis for analysis over time.
BACKGROUND : Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 5,658 consecutive patients during the period 1989-1998. Due to changes over time, both in patients' risk profile and surgical strategies, a review was undertaken to study trends and results after coronary artery bypass surgery.