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ObjectiveTo determine whether young adults (≤40 years old) with acute ischemic stroke are less likely to receive IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and more likely to have longer times to brain imaging and treatment.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke registry for patients with acute ischemic stroke hospitalized between January 2009 and September 2015. We used multivariable models with generalized estimating equations to evaluate tPA treatment and outcomes between younger (age 18–40 years) and older (age >40 years) patients with acute ischemic stroke.ResultsOf 1,320,965 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to 1,983 hospitals, 2.3% (30,448) were 18 to 40 years of age. Among these patients, 12.5% received tPA vs 8.8% of those >40 years of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56–1.71). However, younger patients were less likely to receive brain imaging within 25 minutes (62.5% vs 71.5%, aOR 0.78, 95% CI 0.73–0.84) and to be treated with tPA within 60 minutes of hospital arrival (37.0% vs 42.8%, aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.68–0.79). Compared to older patients, younger patients treated with tPA had a lower symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate (1.7% vs 4.5%, aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42–0.72) and lower in-hospital mortality (2.0% vs 4.3%, aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.52–0.81).ConclusionsIn contrast to our hypothesis, younger patients with acute ischemic stroke were more likely to be treated with tPA than older patients, but they were more likely to experience delay in evaluation and treatment. Compared with older patients, younger patients had better outcomes, including fewer intracranial hemorrhages.

Background: The use of endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke who have large vessel occlusion has rapidly increased in the United States following pivotal trials demonstrating its benefit. Information about the contribution of interhospital transfer in improving access to EVT will help organize regional systems of stroke care. Methods: We analyzed trends of transfer-in EVT from a cohort of 1 863 693 patients with ischemic stroke admitted to 2143 Get With The Guidelines-Stroke participating hospitals between January 2012 and December 2017. We further examined the association between arrival mode and in-hospital outcomes by using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Of the 37 260 patients who received EVT at 639 hospitals during the study period, 42.9% (15 975) arrived at the EVT-providing hospital after interhospital transfer. Transfer-in EVT cases increased from 256 in the first quarter 2012 to 1422 in the fourth quarter 2017, with sharply accelerated increases following the fourth quarter 2014 ( P Conclusions: Interhospital transfer for EVT is increasingly common and is associated with a significant delay in EVT initiation highlighting the need to develop more efficient stroke systems of care. Further evaluation to identify factors that impact EVT outcomes for transfer-in patients is warranted.

Background Regional patient characteristics, care quality, and outcomes may differ based on a variety of factors among patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). Regional disparities in outcomes of cardiovascular disease have been suggested across various regions in the United States. This study examined whether there are significant differences by region in quality of care and short‐term outcomes of hospitalized patients with HF across the United States. Methods and Results We examined regional demographics, quality measures, and short‐term outcomes across 4 US Census Bureau regions in patients hospitalized with HF and enrolled in the GWTG‐HF (Get With The Guidelines–Heart Failure) registry from 2010 to 2016. Differences in length of stay and mortality by region were examined with multivariable logistic regression. The study included 423 333 patients hospitalized for HF in 488 hospitals. Patients in the Northeast were significantly older. Completion of achievement measures, with few exceptions, were met with similar frequency across regions. Multivariable analysis demonstrated significantly lower in‐hospital mortality in the Midwest compared with the Northeast (hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51–0.8; P Conclusions Although we did not find any substantial differences by region in quality of care in patients hospitalized for HF, risk‐adjusted inpatient mortality was found to be lower in the Midwest compared with the Northeast, and may be secondary to unmeasured differences in patient characteristics, and to longer length of stay in the Northeast.

The Get With The Guidelines - Atrial Fibrillation (GWTG-AFIB) Registry uses achievement and quality measures to improve the care of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to evaluate overall and site-level variation in attainment of these measures among sites participating in the GWTG-AFIB Registry.From the GWTG-AFIB registry, we included patients with AF admitted between 1/3/2013 and 6/30/2019. We described patient-level attainment and variation in attainment across sites of 6 achievement measures with 1) defect-free scores (percent of patients with all eligible measures attained), and 2) composite opportunity scores (percent of all eligible patient measures attained). We also described attainment of 11 quality measures at the patient-level.Among 80,951 patients hospitalized for AF (age 70±13 years, 47.0% female; CHADespite high overall attainment of care measures across GWTG-AFIB registry sites, large site variation was present with meaningful opportunities to improve AF care beyond OAC prescription, including but not limited to prescription of aldosterone antagonists in those with AF and systolic dysfunction and avoidance of non-indicated adjunctive antiplatelet therapy.

Background and Purpose— Despite quality improvement programs such as the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Target Stroke initiative, a substantial portion of acute ischemic stroke patients are still treated with tissue-type plasminogen activator (alteplase) later than 60 minutes from arrival. This study aims to describe the documented reasons for delays and the associations between reasons for delays and patient outcomes. Methods— We analyzed the characteristics of 55 296 patients who received intravenous alteplase in 1422 hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines-Stroke from October 2012 to April 2015, excluding transferred patients and inpatient strokes. We assessed eligibility, medical, and hospital reasons for delays in door-to-needle time. Results— There were 27 778 patients (50.2%) treated within 60 minutes, 10 086 patients (18.2%) treated >60 minutes without documented delays, and 17 432 patients (31.5%) treated >60 minutes with one or more documented reasons for delay. Delayed door-to-needle times were associated with delayed diagnosis (36 minutes longer than those without delay in diagnosis) and hypoglycemia or seizure (34 minutes longer than without those conditions). The presence of documented delays was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.3) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–1.3) and lower odds of independent ambulation at discharge (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.9–1.0) after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. Conclusions— Hospital and eligibility delays such as delay diagnosis and inability to determine eligibility were associated with longer door-to-needle times. Improved stroke recognition and management of acute comorbidities may help to reduce door-to-needle times.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduce mortality in many patients with heart failure (HF), but the current use and effectiveness of ICD/CRT in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are uncertain. We examined associations between kidney function and guideline-recommended prescription of ICD/CRT in the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure registry, a performance improvement program for hospitalized patients with HF. We compared differences in ICD and CRT prescription between the following categories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; mL/min/1.73m2): ≥60, 59 to 30

Randomized data suggest lenient rate control (resting heart rate110 beats/min) is noninferior to strict rate control (resting heart rate80 beats/min) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the optimal rate control strategy in patients with AF and heart failure (HF) remains unknown. Accordingly, we performed an observational analysis using data from the Get With The Guidelines-HF Program linked with Medicare data from July 1, 2011, to September 30, 2014. Of 13,981 patients with AF and HF, 9,100 (65.0%) had strict rate control, 4,617 (33.0%) had lenient rate control, and 264 (1.9%) had poor rate control by resting heart rate on the day of discharge. After multivariable adjustment, compared with strict rate control, lenient rate control was associated with higher adjusted risks of death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11 to 1.33, p0.001), all-cause readmission (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.15, p0.002), death or all-cause readmission (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.18, p0.001), but not cardiovascular readmission (HR1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.16, p = 0.051) at 90 days. Associations were comparable in patients with poor rate control and with heart rate modeled as a continuous variable. The presence or absence of reduced ejection fraction did not impact the magnitude of most observed associations. In conclusion, in patients with HF and AF, 2 of 3 patients had a heart rate that met strict-control goals at discharge. Heart rates80 beats/min were associated with adverse outcomes irrespective of left ventricular ejection fraction.

Background— The Prospective Multicenter Imaging Study for Evaluation of Chest Pain (PROMISE) trial found that initial use of ≥64 detector-row computed tomography angiography versus standard functional testing strategies (exercise ECG, stress nuclear methods, or stress echocardiography) did not improve clinical outcomes in 10 003 stable symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease requiring noninvasive testing. Symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) were major secondary outcomes. Methods and Results— We prospectively collected a battery of QOL instruments in 5985 patients at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months postrandomization. The prespecified primary QOL measures were the Duke Activity Status Index and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire frequency and QOL scales. All comparisons were made as randomized. Baseline variables were well balanced in the 2982 patients randomly assigned to computed tomography angiography testing and the 3003 patients randomly assigned to functional testing. The Duke Activity Status Index improved substantially in both groups over the first 6 months following testing, but we found no evidence for a strategy-related difference (mean difference [anatomic – functional] at 24 months of follow-up, 0.1 [95% confidence interval, –0.9 to 1.1]). Similar results were seen for the Seattle Angina Questionnaire frequency scale (mean difference at 24 months, –0.2; 95% confidence interval, –0.8 to 0.4) and QOL scale (mean difference at 24 months, –0.2; 95% confidence interval, –1.3 to 0.9). None of the secondary QOL measures showed a consistent strategy-related difference. Conclusions— In symptomatic patients with suspected coronary artery disease who required noninvasive testing, symptoms and QOL improved significantly. However, a strategy of initial anatomic testing, in comparison with functional testing, did not provide an incremental benefit for QOL over 2 years of follow-up. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01174550.

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is a risk factor for new onset heart failure (HF). There is however a paucity of data evaluating its association with outcomes in patients with established HF. We assessed the relation of HbA1C with outcomes among hospitalized HF patients. Among 41,776 HF patients from 263 hospitals participating to the Get with the Guidelines-HF registry between January 2009 and March 2016, we related HbA1C to outcomes (in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, discharge to home, 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, and 1-year mortality), using generalized estimating equation to account for within-hospital clustering and potential confounders. There were 68% of HF patients with diabetes and median HbA1C was 7.1%. Each percent change in HbA1C was associated with higher odds of discharge to home for HbA1C levels 4 days (OR 1.10 [1.02 to 1.18]) and to be discharged home (OR 1.23 [1.14 to 1.33]). There were no significant association between HbA1C and the following outcomes: in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, 30-day readmission, and 1-year mortality. In conclusion, among hospitalized HF patients, HbA1C was associated with prolonged hospital stay and home discharge, but not with readmission, short-term, or intermediate-term mortality.

The GUIDE-IT (GUIDing Evidence Based Therapy Using Biomarker Intensified Treatment in Heart Failure) trial prospectively compared the efficacy of an N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)-guided heart failure treatment strategy (target NT-proBNP level 1,000 pg/ml) with optimal medical therapy alone in high-risk patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. When the study was stopped for futility, 894 patients had been enrolled.The purpose of this study was to assess treatment-related quality-of-life (QOL) and economic outcomes in the GUIDE-IT trial.The authors prospectively collected a battery of QOL instruments at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-randomization (collection rates 90% to 99% of those eligible). The principal pre-specified QOL measures were the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) Overall Summary Score and the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). Cost data were collected for 735 (97%) U.S.Baseline variables were well balanced in the 446 patients randomized to the NT-proBNP-guided therapy and 448 to usual care. Both the KCCQ and the DASI improved over the first 6 months, but no evidence was found for a strategy-related difference (mean difference [biomarker-guided - usual care] at 24 months of follow-up 2.0 for DASI [95% confidence interval (CI): -1.3 to 5.3] and 1.1 for KCCQ [95% CI: -3.7 to 5.9]). Total winsorized costs averaged $5,919 higher in the biomarker-guided strategy (95% CI: -$1,795, +$13,602) over 15-month median follow-up.A strategy of NT-proBNP-guided HF therapy had higher total costs and was not more effective than usual care in improving QOL outcomes in patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction. (Guiding Evidence Based Therapy Using Biomarker Intensified Treatment [GUIDE-IT]; NCT01685840).

Background Adoption of electronic health record ( EHR ) systems has increased significantly across the nation. Whether EHR use has translated into improved quality of care and outcomes in heart failure ( HF ) is not well studied. Methods and Results We examined participants from the Get With The Guidelines— HF registry who were admitted with HF in 2008 (N=21 222), using various degrees of EHR implementation (no EHR , partial EHR , and full EHR ). We performed multivariable logistic regression to determine the relation between EHR status and several in‐hospital quality metrics and outcomes. In a substudy of Medicare participants (N=8421), we assessed the relation between EHR status and rates of 30‐day mortality, readmission, and a composite outcome. In the cohort, the mean age was 71±15 years, 49% were women, and 64% were white. The mean ejection fraction was 39±17%. Participants were admitted to hospitals with no EHR (N=1484), partial EHR (N=13 473), and full EHR (N=6265). There was no association between EHR status and several quality metrics (aside from β blocker at discharge) or in‐hospital outcomes on multivariable adjusted logistic regression ( P >0.05 for all comparisons). In the Medicare cohort, there was no association between EHR status and 30‐day mortality, readmission, or the combined outcome. Conclusions In a large registry of hospitalized patients with HF, there was no association between degrees of EHR implementation and several quality metrics and 30‐day postdischarge death or readmission. Our results suggest that EHR may not be sufficient to improve HF quality or related outcomes.

Catheter ablation is more effective than drug therapy in restoring sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but its incremental effect on long-term quality of life (QOL) is uncertain.To determine whether catheter ablation is more beneficial than conventional drug therapy for improving QOL in patients with AF.An open-label randomized clinical trial of catheter ablation vs drug therapy in 2204 symptomatic patients with AF older than 65 years or 65 years or younger with at least 1 risk factor for stroke. Patients were enrolled from November 2009 to April 2016 from 126 centers in 10 countries. Follow-up ended in December 2017.Pulmonary vein isolation, with additional ablation procedures at the discretion of the investigators, for the catheter ablation group (n = 1108) and standard rhythm and/or rate-control drugs selected and managed by investigators for the drug therapy group (n = 1096).Prespecified co-primary QOL end points at 12 months, including the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life (AFEQT) summary score (range, 0-100; 0 indicates complete disability and 100 indicates no disability; patient-level clinically important difference, ≥5 points) and the Mayo AF-Specific Symptom Inventory (MAFSI) frequency score (range, 0-40; 0 indicates no symptoms and 40 indicates the most severe symptoms; patient-level clinically important difference, ≤-1.6 points) and severity score (range, 0-30; 0 indicates no symptoms and 30 indicates the most severe symptoms; patient-level clinically important difference, ≤-1.3 points).Among 2204 randomized patients (median age, 68 years; 1385 patients [63%] were men, 946 [43%] had paroxysmal AF, and 1256 [57%] had persistent AF), the median follow-up was 48.5 months, and 1968 (89%) completed the trial. The mean AFEQT summary score was more favorable in the catheter ablation group than the drug therapy group at 12 months (86.4 points vs 80.9 points) (adjusted difference, 5.3 points [95% CI, 3.7-6.9]; P .001). The mean MAFSI frequency score was more favorable for the catheter ablation group than the drug therapy group at 12 months (6.4 points vs 8.1 points) (adjusted difference, -1.7 points [95% CI, -2.3 to -1.2]; P .001) and the mean MAFSI severity score was more favorable for the catheter ablation group than the drug therapy group at 12 months (5.0 points vs 6.5 points) (adjusted difference, -1.5 points [95% CI, -2.0 to -1.1]; P .001).Among patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation, catheter ablation, compared with medical therapy, led to clinically important and significant improvements in quality of life at 12 months. These findings can help guide decisions regarding management of atrial fibrillation.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00911508.

Real-world use of traditional heart failure (HF) medications for patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) is not well known.We conducted a retrospective, observational analysis of 1,887 advanced HF patients with and without LVADs from 32 LVAD hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure registry from January 2009 to March 2015. We examined HF medication prescription at discharge, temporal trends, and predictors of prescription among patients with an in-hospital (n = 258) or prior (n = 171) LVAD implant, and those with advanced HF but no LVAD, as defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤25% and in-hospital receipt of intravenous inotropes or vasopressin receptor antagonists (n = 1,458).For β-blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB), discharge prescriptions were 58.9% and 53.5% for new LVAD patients, 53.8% and 42.9% for prior LVAD patients, and 73.4% and 63.2% for patients without LVAD support, respectively (both P.0001). Aldosterone antagonist prescription quadrupled among LVAD patients during the study period (P.0001), whereas ACEI/ARB use decreased nearly 20 percentage points (60.0% to 41.4%, P = .0003). In the multivariable analysis of LVAD patients, patient age was inversely associated with β-blocker, ACEI/ARB, and aldosterone antagonist prescription.Traditional HF therapies were moderately prescribed at discharge to patients with LVADs and were more frequently prescribed to patients with advanced HF without LVAD support. Moderate prescription rates suggest clinical uncertainty in the use of antiadrenergic medication in this population. Further research is needed on the optimal medical regimen for patients with LVADs.

Obesity has become a major epidemic in the United States. Although research suggests obesity does not increase major morbidity or mortality after thoracic operations, it likely results in greater use of health care resources.We examined all patients in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery database with primary lung cancer who underwent lobectomy from 2006 to 2010. We investigated the impact of body mass index (BMI) on total operating room time using a linear mixed-effects regression model and multiple imputations to account for missing data. Secondary outcomes included postoperative length of stay and 30-day mortality. Covariates included age, sex, race, forced expiratory volume, smoking status, Zubrod score, prior chemotherapy or radiation, steroid use, number of comorbidities, surgical approach, hospital lobectomy volume, hospital percent obesity, and the addition of mediastinoscopy or wedge resection.A total of 19,337 patients were included. The mean BMI was 27.3 kg/m2, with 4,898 patients (25.3%) having a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater. The mean total operating room time, length of stay, and 30-day mortality were 240 minutes, 6.7 days, and 1.8%, respectively. For every 10-unit increase in BMI, mean operating room time increased by 7.2 minutes (range, 4.8 to 8.4 minutes; p0.0001). Higher hospital lobectomy volume and hospital percentage of obese patients did not affect the association between BMI and operative time. Body mass index was not associated with 30-day mortality or increased length of stay.Increased BMI is associated with increased total operating room time, regardless of institutional experience with obese patients.

Objective Despite growing awareness of the clinical significance of atrial fibrillation (AF) and observational data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of surgical therapy, AF ablation is variably performed among patients with AF undergoing cardiac surgery. We examined the national trends of surgical ablation and perioperative outcomes for stand-alone surgical ablation of AF. Methods Using the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database, 91,801 (2005-2010) surgical AF ablations were performed of which 4893 (5.3%) were stand-alone procedures. The outcomes of 854 propensity-matched pairs having "on" versus "off" cardiopulmonary bypass stand-alone ablation were compared. Results The percentage of patients with preoperative AF increased from 2005 to 2010 (from 10.0% to 12.2%). Overall, 40.6% of patients with AF underwent concomitant surgical ablation—a significant decline of 1.6% from 2005 to 2010. The number of stand-alone surgical ablations increased significantly from 552 to 1041 cases (2005-2010). Overall, the stand-alone group had a mean age of 60 years, 71% were men, and 80% were treated "off" cardiopulmonary bypass. The "on" cardiopulmonary bypass group had significantly more pulmonary disease, diabetes, and congestive heart failure. Overall, the operative mortality and stroke rate was 0.7% for each. After propensity matching, the "off" cardiopulmonary bypass group underwent significantly fewer reoperations for bleeding and had a lower incidence of prolonged ventilation and shorter hospitalization. New pacemaker implantation was low, without group differences. Conclusions The prevalence of AF in patients undergoing cardiac surgery has increased, as has the number of stand-alone surgical ablations. The treatment of concomitant disease declined slightly. Isolated surgical ablation is safe, performed "on" or "off" cardiopulmonary bypass. These results support consideration of surgical AF ablation as an alternative to percutaneous ablation for patients with lone AF.

Objective Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the operation most commonly performed by cardiac surgeons. There are few contemporary data examining evolving patient characteristics and surgical outcomes of isolated CABG. We used the Society of Thoracic Surgeons adult cardiac surgery database to characterize trends in patient characteristics and outcomes after CABG over the past decade. Methods From 2000 to 2009, 1,497,254 patients underwent isolated primary CABG at Society of Thoracic Surgeons participating institutions. Demographics, operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were assessed, and risk-adjusted outcomes were calculated. Results Compared with the year 2000, patients undergoing isolated primary CABG in 2009 were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (33% vs 40%) and hypertension (71% vs 85%). There were clinically insignificant differences in age, gender, and body surface area. Between 2000 and 2009, there has been a 6.3% and 19.5% increase in the preoperative use of aspirin and beta-blockers, respectively. Between 2004 and 2009, there was a 7.8% increase in the use of angiotension-converting enzyme inhibitors preoperatively. Furthermore, between 2005 and 2009 there was a 3.8% increase in the use of statins preoperatively. The median number of distal anastomoses performed was unchanged between 2000 and 2009 (3; interquartile range, 2–4). There was a significant increase in the use of the internal thoracic artery (88% in 2000 vs 95% in 2009). The predicted mortality rates of 2.3% were consistent between 2000 and 2009. The observed mortality rate over this period declined from 2.4% in 2000 to 1.9% in 2009 representing a relative risk reduction of 24.4%. The incidence of postoperative stroke decreased significantly from 1.6% to 1.2%, representing a risk reduction of 26.4%. There was also a 9.2% relative reduction in the risk of reoperation for bleeding and a 32.9% relative risk reduction in the incidence of sternal wound infection. Conclusions Over the past decade, the risk profile of patients undergoing CABG has changed, with fewer smokers, more diabetic patients, and better medical therapy characterizing patients referred for surgical coronary revascularization. The left internal thoracic artery is nearly universally used and outcomes have improved substantially, with a significant decline in postoperative mortality and morbidity.

OBJECTIVE:Previous analyses have suggested center volume is associated with outcome in children undergoing heart surgery. However, data are limited regarding potential mediating factors, including the relationship of center volume with postoperative complications and mortality in those who suffer a complication. We examined this association in a large multicenter cohort.METHODS:Children 0 to 18 years undergoing heart surgery at centers participating in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (2006–2009) were included. In multivariable analysis, we evaluated outcomes associated with annual center volume, adjusting for patient factors and surgical risk category.RESULTS:A total of 35 776 patients (68 centers) were included. Overall, 40.6% of patients had ≥1 complication, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 3.9%. The mortality rate in those patients with a complication was 9.0%. In multivariable analysis, lower center volume was significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality. There was no association of center volume with the rate of postoperative complications, but lower center volume was significantly associated with higher mortality in those with a complication (P = .03 when volume examined as a continuous variable; odds ratio in centers with 350 cases per year = 1.59 [95% confidence interval: 1.16–2.18]). This association was most prominent in the higher surgical risk categories.CONCLUSIONS:These data suggest that the higher mortality observed at lower volume centers in children undergoing heart surgery may be related to a higher rate of mortality in those with postoperative complications, rather than a higher rate of complications alone.

Background Long-term evaluation of cardiothoracic surgical outcomes is a major goal of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). Linking the STS Database to the Social Security Death Master File (SSDMF) allows for the verification of "life status." This study demonstrates the feasibility of linking the STS Database to the SSDMF and examines longitudinal survival after cardiac operations. Methods For all operations in the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database performed in 2008 in patients with an available Social Security Number, the SSDMF was searched for a matching Social Security Number. Survival probabilities at 30 days and 1 year were estimated for nine common operations. Results A Social Security Number was available for 101,188 patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, 12,336 patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement, and 6,085 patients undergoing isolated mitral valve operations. One-year survival for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting was 88.9% (6,529 of 7,344) with all vein grafts, 95.2% (84,696 of 88,966) with a single mammary artery graft, 97.4% (4,422 of 4,540) with bilateral mammary artery grafts, and 95.6% (7,543 of 7,890) with all arterial grafts. One-year survival was 92.4% (11,398 of 12,336) for isolated aortic valve replacement (95.6% [2,109 of 2,206] with mechanical prosthesis and 91.7% [9,289 of 10,130] with biologic prosthesis), 86.5% (2,312 of 2,674) for isolated mitral valve replacement (91.7% [923 of 1,006] with mechanical prosthesis and 83.3% [1,389 of 1,668] with biologic prosthesis), and 96.0% (3,275 of 3,411) for isolated mitral valve repair. Conclusions Successful linkage to the SSDMF has substantially increased the power of the STS Database. These longitudinal survival data from this large multi-institutional study provide reassurance about the durability and long-term benefits of cardiac operations and constitute a contemporary benchmark for survival after cardiac operations.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, there has been a shift toward care of children undergoing heart surgery in dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care units (CICU). The impact of this trend on patient outcomes is unclear. We evaluated postoperative outcomes associated with a CICU versus other ICU models. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database participants (2007–2009) who completed an ICU survey were included. In multivariable analysis, we evaluated outcomes associated with a CICU versus other ICUs, adjusting for center volume, patient factors, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery surgical risk category. RESULTS: A total of 20 922 patients (47 centers; 25 with a CICU) were included. Overall unadjusted mortality was 3.8%, median length of stay was 6 days (interquartile range: 4–13), and 21% had 1 or more complications. In multivariable analysis, there was no difference in mortality comparing CICUs versus other ICUs (odds ratio: 0.88 [95% confidence interval: 0.65–1.19]). In stratified analysis, CICUs were associated with lower mortality only among those in Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery category 3 (odds ratio: 0.47 [95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.86]), primarily related to atrioventricular canal repair and arterial switch operation. There was no difference in length of stay or complications overall or in stratified analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We were not able to detect a difference in postoperative morbidity or mortality associated with the presence of a dedicated CICU for children undergoing heart surgery. There may be a survival benefit in certain subgroups .

BackgroundSeveral single-institution series have demonstrated that compared with open thoracotomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy may be associated with fewer postoperative complications. In the absence of randomized trials, we queried the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database to compare postoperative mortality and morbidity following open and video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy. A propensity-matched analysis using a large national database may enable a more comprehensive comparison of postoperative outcomes.MethodsAll patients having lobectomy as the primary procedure via thoracoscopy or thoracotomy were identified in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database from 2002 to 2007. After exclusions, 6323 patients were identified: 5042 having thoracotomy, 1281 having thoracoscopy. A propensity analysis was performed, incorporating preoperative variables, and the incidence of postoperative complications was compared.ResultsMatching based on propensity scores produced 1281 patients in each group for analysis of postoperative outcomes. After video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, 945 patients (73.8%) had no complications, compared with 847 patients (65.3%) who had lobectomy via thoracotomy (P < .0001). Compared with open lobectomy, video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy was associated with a lower incidence of arrhythmias [n = 93 (7.3%) vs 147 (11.5%); P = .0004], reintubation [n = 18 (1.4%) vs 40 (3.1%); P = .0046], and blood transfusion [n = 31 (2.4%) vs n = 60 (4.7%); P = .0028], as well as a shorter length of stay (4.0 vs 6.0 days; P < .0001) and chest tube duration (3.0 vs 4.0 days; P < .0001). There was no difference in operative mortality between the 2 groups.ConclusionsVideo-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy is associated with a lower incidence of complications compared with lobectomy via thoracotomy. For appropriate candidates, video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy may be the preferred strategy for appropriately selected patients with lung cancer.

The purpose of this study is to examine trends in mitral valve (MV) repair and replacement surgery using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (STS ACSD).The study population included isolated mitral valve operations performed between January 2000 and December 2007 at 910 hospitals participating in the STS ACSD. Patients with endocarditis, prior cardiac operation, shock, emergency operation, and concomitant coronary artery bypass graft or aortic valve surgery were excluded.During the 8-year study period, 58,370 patients underwent isolated primary MV operations. For patients with isolated mitral regurgitation (n = 47,126), the rate of MV repair (versus replacement) increased from 51% to 69% (p0.0001). Among patients having replacement (n = 24,404), there has been a pronounced decline in the use of mechanical valves: 68% to 37% (p0.0001). The operative mortality for MV replacement was consistently higher than that for repair (3.8% versus 1.4%), a finding that persisted after risk-adjustment (adjusted odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval: 0.45 to 0.59; p0.0001). Among patients having elective isolated MV repair (n = 28,140), the operative mortality was 1.2%. For asymptomatic (class I) patients, operative mortality was 0.6%.This study documents several important trends in MV surgery, including the progressive adoption of mitral valve repair and increasing use of bioprosthetic replacement valves. Operative risks of MV repair are significantly lower than those for MV replacement. Operative mortality for isolated elective mitral valve repair is 1% in contemporary clinical practice.

Importance Elevated levels of cardiac troponins are associated with adverse clinical outcomes among patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction. However, the clinical significance of troponin elevation in the setting of decompensated HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is not well established. Objective To determine the clinical predictors of troponin elevation and its association with in-hospital and long-term outcomes among patients with decompensated HFpEF. Design, Setting, and Participants Observational analysis of Get With The Guidelines–HF registry participants who were admitted for decompensated HFpEF (ejection fraction ≥50%) from January 2009 through December 2014 and who had quantitative or categorical (elevated vs normal based on institution’s reference laboratory) measures of troponin level (troponin T or troponin I, as available). Main Outcomes and Measures In-hospital outcomes (mortality, length of stay, and discharge destination) and postdischarge outcomes (30-day mortality, 30-day readmission rate, 1-year mortality). Results We included 34 233 patients with HFpEF from 224 sites with measured troponin levels (33.4% men; median age, 79 years): 78.6% (n = 26 896) with troponin I and 21.4% (n = 7319) with troponin T measurements. Among these, 22.6% (n = 7732) had elevation in troponin levels. In adjusted analysis, higher serum creatinine level, black race, older age, and ischemic heart disease were associated with troponin elevation. Elevated troponin was associated with higher odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.19; 95% CI, 1.88-2.56), greater length of stay (length of stay >4 days OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.29-1.47), and lower likelihood of discharge to home (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.61-0.71) independent of other clinical predictors and measured confounders. Presence of elevated troponin I levels was also significantly associated with increased risk of 30-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; 95% CI, 1.42-1.80), 30-day all-cause readmission (HR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.25), and 1-year mortality HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.26-1.45). Conclusions and Relevance Troponin elevation among patients with acutely decompensated HFpEF is associated with worse in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes, independent of other predictive variables. Future studies are needed to determine if measurement of troponin levels among patients with decompensated HFpEF may be useful for risk stratification.

Multicenter data regarding cardiac arrest in children undergoing heart operations are limited. We describe epidemiology and outcomes associated with postoperative cardiac arrest in a large multiinstitutional cohort.Patients younger than 18 years in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database (2007 through 2012) were included. Patient factors, operative characteristics, and outcomes were described for patients with and without postoperative cardiac arrest. Multivariable models were used to evaluate the association of center volume with cardiac arrest rate and mortality after cardiac arrest, adjusting for patient and procedural factors.Of 70,270 patients (97 centers), 1,843 (2.6%) had postoperative cardiac arrest. Younger age, lower weight, and presence of preoperative morbidities (all p 0.0001) were associated with cardiac arrest. Arrest rate increased with procedural complexity across common benchmark operations, ranging from 0.7% (ventricular septal defect repair) to 12.7% (Norwood operation). Cardiac arrest was associated with significant mortality risk across procedures, ranging from 15.4% to 62.3% (all p 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, arrest rate was not associated with center volume (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.71 to 1.57 in low- versus high-volume centers). However, mortality after cardiac arrest was higher in low-volume centers (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.52 to 2.63). This association was present for both high- and low-complexity operations.Cardiac arrest carries a significant mortality risk across the stratum of procedural complexity. Although arrest rates are not associated with center volume, lower-volume centers have increased mortality after cardiac arrest. Further study of mechanisms to prevent cardiac arrest and to reduce mortality in those with an arrest is warranted.

Wedge resection is often used instead of anatomic resection in an attempt to mitigate perioperative risk. In propensity-matched populations, we sought to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing wedge resection with those undergoing anatomic resection.The Society of Thoracic Surgery database was reviewed for stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing wedge resection and anatomic resection to analyze postoperative morbidity and mortality. Propensity scores were estimated using a logistic model adjusted for a variety of risk factors. Patients were then matched by propensity score using a greedy 5- to 1-digit matching algorithm, and compared using McNemar's test.Between 2009 and 2011, 3,733 wedge resection and 3,733 anatomic resection patients were matched. The operative mortality was 1.21% for wedge resection versus 1.93% for anatomic resection (p=0.0118). Major morbidity occurred in 4.53% of wedge resection patients versus 8.97% of anatomic resection patients (p0.0001). A reduction was noted in the incidence of pulmonary complications, but not cardiovascular or neurologic complications. There was a consistent reduction in major morbidity regardless of age, lung function, or type of incision. Mortality was reduced in patients with preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 85% predicted.Wedge resection has a 37% lower mortality and 50% lower major morbidity rate than anatomic resection in these propensity-matched populations. The mortality benefit is most apparent in patients with forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 85% predicted. These perioperative benefits must be carefully weighed against the increase in locoregional recurrence and possible decrease in long-term survival associated with the use of wedge resection for primary lung cancers.

The introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement mandates attention to outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low-risk, intermediate-risk, and very high-risk patients.The study population included 141,905 patients who underwent isolated primary SAVR from 2002 to 2010. Patients were risk-stratified by Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) predicted risk of mortality (PROM)4% (group 1, n = 113,377), 4% to 8% (group 2, n = 19,769), and8% (group 3, n = 8,759). The majority of patients were considered at low risk (80%), and only 6.2% were categorized as being at high risk. Outcomes were analyzed based on two time periods: 2002 to 2006 (n = 63,754) and 2007 to 2010 (n = 78,151).The mean age was 65 years in group 1, 77 in group 2, and 77 in group 3 (p0.0001). The median STS PROM for the entire population was 1.84: 1.46% in group 1, 5.24% in group 2, and 11.2% in group 3 (p0.0001). Compared with PROM, in-hospital mean mortality was lower than expected in all patients (2.5% vs 2.95%) and when analyzed within risk groups was as follows: group 1 (1.4% vs 1.7%), group 2 (5.1% vs 5.5%), and group 3 (11.8% vs 13.7%) (p0.0001). In the most recent surgical era, operative mortality was significantly reduced in group 2 (5.4% vs 6.4%, p = 0.002) and group 3 (11.9% vs 14.4%, p = 0.0004) but not in group 1.Nearly 80% of patients undergoing SAVR have outcomes that are superior to those by the predicted risk models. In the most recent era, early results have further improved in medium-risk and high-risk patients. This large real-world assessment serves as a benchmark for patients with aortic valve stenosis as therapeutic options are further evaluated.

Understanding the operative outcomes of mitral valve (MV) surgery across the spectrum of predicted risk of mortality (PROM) is necessary to determine the best use of novel percutaneous approaches.The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database was utilized to study isolated MV operations during two time periods: era 1 (2002 to 2006, n = 37,743) and era 2 (2007 to 2010, n = 40,093). In each era, four PROM groups were defined: low risk (PROM 0% to4%); intermediate risk (PROM 4% to8%); high risk (PROM 8% to12%); and extreme risk (PROM ≥ 12%). In each risk group, mortality rates and observed to expected mortality ratios were compared across eras.A total of 63,645 cases (82%) were classified as low risk, 8,032 (10%) as intermediate risk, 2,765 (4%) as high risk, and 3,394 (4%) as extreme risk. Sixty-seven percent of MV repairs (n = 30,488) and 18% of MV replacements (n = 5,749) had a PROM less than 1%. PROM less than 4% was seen for 93% of MV repairs (n = 42,196) and 66% of replacements (n = 21,449). Across the two eras, the MV repair rate increased from 54.8% to 61.8% (p = 0.0017); and a significant reduction in operative mortality was observed in high risk and extreme risk cohorts (p0.05).The frequency with which MV repair for isolated MV disease is performed has increased over time and is associated with very low early mortality. A significant reduction in mortality among patients at highest risk has occurred, and must be considered as patients are evaluated for percutaneous therapies.

Background— Most survival prediction models for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery are limited to in-hospital or 30-day end points. We estimate a long-term survival model using data from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Methods and Results— The final study cohort included 348 341 isolated coronary artery bypass grafting patients aged ≥65 years, discharged between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2007, from 917 Society of Thoracic Surgeons–participating hospitals, randomly divided into training (n=174 506) and validation (n=173 835) samples. Through linkage with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services claims data, we ascertained vital status from date of surgery through December 31, 2008 (1- to 6-year follow-up). Because the proportional hazards assumption was violated, we fit 4 Cox regression models conditional on being alive at the beginning of the following intervals: 0 to 30 days, 31 to 180 days, 181 days to 2 years, and >2 years. Kaplan-Meier–estimated mortality was 3.2% at 30 days, 6.4% at 180 days, 8.1% at 1 year, and 23.3% at 3 years of follow-up. Harrell's C statistic for predicting overall survival time was 0.732. Some risk factors (eg, emergency status, shock, reoperation) were strong predictors of short-term outcome but, for early survivors, became nonsignificant within 2 years. The adverse impact of some other risk factors (eg, dialysis-dependent renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) continued to increase. Conclusions— Using clinical registry data and longitudinal claims data, we developed a long-term survival prediction model for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. This provides valuable information for shared decision making, comparative effectiveness research, quality improvement, and provider profiling.

Background Major postoperative infections (MPIs) are poorly understood complications of cardiac surgery. We examined the epidemiology, microbiology, and outcome of MPIs occurring after cardiac surgery. Methods The study cohort was drawn from the Society of Thoracic Surgeon National Cardiac Database and comprised adults who underwent cardiac surgery at 5 tertiary hospitals between 2000 and 2004. We studied the incidence, microbiology, and risk factors of MPI (bloodstream or chest wound infections within 30 days after surgery), as well as 30-day mortality. We used multivariate regression analyses to evaluate the risk of MPI and mortality. Results MPI was identified in 341 of 10,522 patients (3.2%). Staphylococci were found in 52.5% of these patients, gram-negative bacilli (GNB) in 24.3%, and other pathogens in 23.2%. High body mass index, previous coronary bypass surgery, emergency surgery, renal impairment, immunosuppression, cardiac failure, and peripheral/cerebrovascular disease were associated with the development of MPI. Median postoperative duration of hospitalization (15 days vs 6 days) and mortality (8.5% vs 2.2%) were higher in patients with MPIs. Compared with uninfected individuals, odds of mortality were higher in patients with S aureus MPIs (adjusted odds ratio, 3.7) and GNB MPIs (adjusted odds ratio, 3.0). Conclusions Staphylococci accounted for the majority of MPIs after cardiac surgery. Mortality was higher in patients with Staphylococcus aureus- and GNB-related MPIs than in patients with MPIs caused by other pathogens and uninfected patients. Preventive strategies should target likely pathogens and high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Background Geographic variations in patient risk factors and operative mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery have not been well studied. Methods Using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Database, a retrospective cohort study was performed of patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery from 2004 to 2007 (n = 504,608). Records were sorted into four major geographic regions (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West) and compared with respect to patient risk profiles and outcomes. Using marginal and hierarchical logistic regression, risk-adjusted operative mortality rates were compared across regions and variation assessed within regions, states and hospital referral regions. Results Patient risk profiles in the Northeast and West appeared similar, as did profiles in the Midwest and South. Risk-adjusted mortality rates were as follows: Northeast 1.63%, Midwest 2.01%, South 2.25%, and West 1.82%. Compared with the Northeast, mortality rates in the Midwest and South were higher, with the following odds ratios (95% confidence intervals): Midwest 1.26 (1.12 to 1.42), South 1.44 (1.27 to 1.62), and West 1.12 (0.98 to 1.28). Major geographic regions accounted for 16.5% of the variation observed in mortality rates; states and hospital referral regions accounted for 17.8% and 65.7%, respectively. Conclusions Variations in absolute coronary artery bypass graft surgery mortality rates across large regions were subtle, although rates within the Northeast were comparatively lower. Most of the variation was seen at the hospital referral region level. Given that geographic location has not been routinely incorporated into statistical risk model predictions, additional research appears warranted to identify regional "best care" practices and to advance nationwide improvements in cardiac surgical patient outcomes.

Aortic dissection as a complication of cardiac surgery is a rare but often lethal event. We sought to determine the frequency of this complication in the STS (Society of Thoracic Surgeons) database as well as the outcomes of patients who suffer intraoperative aortic dissection. We then developed a model to identify preoperative characteristics and intraoperative factors associated with the complication.All patients from the STS database who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve surgery, or mitral valve surgery were included. Exclusion criteria included any patient who had aortic dissection listed as a reason for urgent or emergent operation. Data collected were then analyzed to describe the frequency of aortic dissection as a complication as well as its consequences. We then analyzed a more recent era that included information on arterial cannulation site (femoral-other versus aortic) to identify risk factors for aortic dissection.Of 2,219,991 patients analyzed, 1,294 suffered aortic dissection as a complication of their surgery, for an incidence of 0.06%. This complication frequently led to catastrophic results, with 615 of 1,294 (48%) operative mortality. A logistic regression model was created based on 2004 to 2007 STS data. Of 680,025 patients analyzed, 436 patients suffered an aortic dissection. The analysis yielded nine significant risk factors including femoral arterial cannulation, preoperative steroids, and Asian race; the presence of diabetes appeared to be protective.Aortic dissection is a rare but catastrophic complication of cardiac surgery. Femoral cannulation is associated with an increased frequency of this complication.

Pneumonectomy is associated with a significant incidence of perioperative morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors responsible for adverse outcomes in patients after pneumonectomy utilizing The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database (STS GTDB).All patients who had undergone pneumonectomy between January 2002 and December 2007 were identified in the STS GTDB. Among 80 participating centers, 1,267 patients were selected. Logistic regression analysis was performed on preoperative variables for major adverse outcomes.The rate of major adverse perioperative events was 30.4%, including 71 patients who died (5.6%). Major morbidity was defined as pneumonia, adult respiratory distress syndrome, empyema, sepsis, bronchopleural fistula, pulmonary embolism, ventilatory support beyond 48 hours, reintubation, tracheostomy, atrial or ventricular arrhythmias requiring treatment, myocardial infarct, reoperation for bleeding, and central neurologic event. Patients with major morbidity had a longer mean length of stay compared with patients without major morbidity (13.3 versus 6.1 days, p0.001). Independent predictors of major adverse outcomes were age 65 years or older (p0.001), male sex (p = 0.026), congestive heart failure (p = 0.04), forced expiratory volume in 1 second less than 60% of predicted (p = 0.01), benign lung disease (p = 0.006), and requiring extrapleural pneumonectomy (p = 0.018). Among patients with lung carcinoma, those receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were more at risk for major morbidity than patients without induction therapy (p = 0.049).The mortality rate after pneumonectomy by thoracic surgeons participating in the STS database compares favorably to that in previously published studies. We identified risk factors for major adverse outcomes in patients undergoing pneumonectomy.

The aim of this study is to create models for perioperative risk of lung cancer resection using the STS GTDB (Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Database).The STS GTDB was queried for all patients treated with resection for primary lung cancer between January 1, 2002 and June 30, 2008. Three separate multivariable risk models were constructed (mortality, major morbidity, and composite mortality or major morbidity).There were 18,800 lung cancer resections performed at 111 participating centers. Perioperative mortality was 413 of 18,800 (2.2%). Composite major morbidity or mortality occurred in 1,612 patients (8.6%). Predictors of mortality include the following: pneumonectomy (p0.001), bilobectomy (p0.001), American Society of Anesthesiology rating (p0.018), Zubrod performance status (p0.001), renal dysfunction (p = 0.001), induction chemoradiation therapy (p = 0.01), steroids (p = 0.002), age (p0.001), urgent procedures (p = 0.015), male gender (p = 0.013), forced expiratory volume in one second (p0.001), and body mass index (p = 0.015).Thoracic surgeons participating in the STS GTDB perform lung cancer resections with a low mortality and morbidity. The risk-adjustment models created have excellent performance characteristics and identify important predictors of mortality and major morbidity for lung cancer resections. These models may be used to inform clinical decisions and to compare risk-adjusted outcomes for quality improvement purposes.

Background— Reoperation for bleeding represents an important complication in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Yet, few studies have characterized risk factors and patient outcomes of this event. Methods and Results— We evaluated 528 686 CABG patients at >800 hospitals in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Database (2004 to 2007). Clinical features and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated in patients with and without reoperation for bleeding after CABG. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of risk of this event and to estimate weights for an additive risk score. A total of 12 652 CABG patients (2.4%) required reoperation for bleeding. These rates remained fairly stable over time (2.2%, 2.3%, 2.5%, and 2.4% from 2004 to 2007, respectively). Although overall operative mortality was 4.5-fold higher in patients requiring reoperation for bleeding versus those who did not (2.0% versus 9.1%), this mortality risk declined significantly over time (11.3%, 9.5%, 8.8%, and 8.2% from 2004 to 2007, respectively, P for trend=0.0006). Factors associated with higher risk for reoperation were identified by multivariable analysis (c statistic=0.60) and summarized into a simple bedside risk score. The risk-score performed well when tested in the validation set (Hosmer-Lemeshow P =0.16). Conclusions— Reoperation for bleeding remains an important morbid event after CABG. Nonetheless, death in patients with this complication has decreased over time. Our risk tool should allow estimation of patients risk for reoperation for bleeding and promote preventive measures when feasible in this at-risk group.

ObjectiveDiffusing capacity is not routinely used in assessing risk of lung resection, perhaps owing to uncertainty as to whether patients with normal spirometric results require additional evaluation. We determined whether diffusing capacity is predictive of pulmonary complications after lung resection in patients with normal spirometric results.MethodsWe reviewed outcomes of major lung resection in The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database from 2002 to 2008 to determine the relationship of diffusing capacity (expressed as percent of predicted) to postoperative pulmonary complications stratified by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease status.ResultsPercent of predicted diffusing capacity was measured in 7891 (57%) patients. There were 3905 women and 3986 men with a mean age of 66.3 ± 10.6 years who underwent lobectomy (6904; 87.5%), bilobectomy (463; 5.9%), and pneumonectomy (524; 6.6%). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was identified in 2711 (34.4%) patients. Pulmonary complications occurred in 13%, and the operative mortality was 1.9%. Percent of predicted diffusing capacity was strongly associated with the development of pulmonary complications (odds ratio, 1.12 per 10-point decrease; P < .0001). Decreasing percent of predicted diffusing capacity was incrementally related to an increased incidence of pulmonary complications regardless of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease status. There was no apparent interaction between percent of predicted diffusing capacity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease status in the predictive model.ConclusionsPercent of predicted diffusing capacity predicts pulmonary complications after lung resection in patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We recommend measurement of diffusing capacity in lung resection candidates, regardless of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as an important element in the accurate assessment of operative risk.

ObjectiveTo examine the likelihood of mitral valve repair among dialysis patients and the influence of mitral procedure selection on surgical outcomes in this cohort.MethodsAmong patients undergoing isolated primary mitral valve surgery in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database (2002-2010), we used logistic regression models to evaluate the following: (1) the likelihood of attempted and successful mitral repair among dialysis patients (2008-2010), and (2) the impact of mitral procedural selection on surgical mortality and composite mortality/major morbidity experienced by dialysis patients (2002-2010). Patients with endocarditis and those undergoing emergent or major concomitant surgeries were excluded.ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 86,563 patients, of whom 1480 (1.7%) required preoperative dialysis. Dialysis patients had a high comorbid burden, including a high prevalence of congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and prior myocardial infarction. Dialysis-dependent patients had a lower propensity for mitral repair (44.6% vs 61.5%; P = .0010; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.78); although the odds of successful repair (when attempted) were similar for dialysis versus nondialysis patients (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.65-1.17). Compared with nondialysis patients, dialysis patients experienced a higher mortality rate (9.3% vs 2.3%; P

ObjectiveThe present study evaluated the evolving trends and outcomes of patients undergoing isolated reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting at Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database–participating institutions.MethodsFrom 2000 to 2009, 72,431 patients underwent isolated reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting and 1,497,254 patients underwent isolated primary coronary artery bypass grafting at Society of Thoracic Surgeons–participating institutions. The demographics, operative characteristics, and risk-adjusted postoperative outcomes were assessed and compared during the study period.ResultsAs a percentage of overall coronary artery bypass grafting volume, reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting decreased from 6.0% (8820/137,267) in 2000 to 3.4% (5734/160,997) in 2009. The unadjusted operative mortality declined from 6.1% (542/8820) in 2000 to 4.6% (261/5734) in 2009 (P

ObjectiveOperation for infective endocarditis is associated with the highest mortality of any valve disease, with overall rates of in-hospital mortality exceeding 20%. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database was examined to develop a simple risk scoring system and identify areas for quality improvement.MethodsFrom 2002 through 2008, 19,543 operations were performed for infective endocarditis. Logistic regression analysis related baseline characteristics to both operative mortality and a composite of mortality and major morbidity within 30 days. Points were assigned to each risk factor, and estimated risk was obtained by averaging events for all patients having the same number of points.ResultsOverall unadjusted mortality was 8.2%, and complications occurred in 53%. Significant preoperative risk factors for mortality (associated points) were as follows: emergency, salvage status, or cardiogenic shock (17), preoperative hemodialysis, renal failure, or creatinine level less than 2.0 (12), preoperative inotropic or balloon pump support (10), active (vs treated) endocarditis (10), multiple valve involvement (9), insulin-dependent diabetes (8), arrhythmia (8), previous cardiac surgery (7), urgent status without cardiogenic shock (6), non–insulin-dependent diabetes (6), hypertension (5), and chronic lung disease (5), with a C statistic of 0.7578 (all P