Search

Background: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the most common cause of hospital admission in patients over 65, with poorer outcomes demonstrated in rural versus metropolitan areas. The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital and post-discharge management of ADHF patients admitted to rural versus metropolitan hospitals in Victoria. Methods: Data from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry, Heart Failure (VCOR-HF) project was used. This was a prospective, observational, non-randomised study of consecutive patients admitted to participating hospitals in Victoria, Australia, with ADHF as their primary diagnosis over four 30-day periods during consecutive years. All patients were followed up for 30 days post discharge. Results: 1,357 patients (1,260 metropolitan, 97 rural) were admitted to study hospitals with ADHF during the study periods. Cohorts were similar in age (average 76.87±13.12 yrs) and percentage of male gender (56.4% overall). Metropolitan patients were more likely to have diabetes (44.4% vs 34.0%, p=0.046), kidney disease (65.8% vs 37.1%, p<0.01) and anaemia (31.9% vs 19.6%, p=0.01). There was no significant difference in length of stay between metropolitan and rural patients (7.49 vs 6.37 days, p=0.12). There was no significant difference between metropolitan and rural patients in 30-day rehospitalisations (19.1% vs 11.6%, p=0.07, respectively) and all-cause 30-day mortality (8.2% vs 4.1%, p=0.15, respectively). Metropolitan patients were significantly more likely to have seen their general practitioner (GP) (68.1% vs 53.2%, p<0.01) or attend an outpatient clinic (35.9% vs 10.6%, p<0.01) by 30 days. There was no significant difference in number of days to follow-up of any kind between groups. Referrals to a heart failure home visiting program remained low overall (19.9%). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in 30-day rehospitalisations or mortality between patients admitted to rural versus metropolitan hospitals. Geographica

Quality of life following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) has been reported as lower than non-CABG patients, however previous reports pre-date modern developments in PCI and cardiac surgery. This study aimed to examine the 30-day QoL after PCI between patients with and without prior CABG using a contemporary dataset. A retrospective analysis of the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry was undertaken. This study included 36,799 patients who completed the EQ-5D questionnaire that was used to assess the 30-day QoL and was compared between groups with and without prior CABG at baseline. Most of the participants were older than 65 years, more than half were male and had PCI due to acute coronary symptoms (ACS) and nearly 90% of patients received drug eluting stents. Compared to the ‘no prior CABG’ group, the ‘CABG’ group had a significantly higher rate of reporting a health problem (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10–1.53), presence of a problem in mobility (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.15–1.75), personal care (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.13–1.97) and usual activities (OR 1.39, 95%CI 1.15–1.68), pain/discomfort (OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.11–1.54), and anxiety/depression (OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.02–1.42). Despite modern developments in both PCI and CABG, our study showed a consistent negative association between prior CABG status and 30-day QoL following PCI. There is a need for better targeted cardiac rehabilitation in patients with prior CABG to address their greater relative risk of experiencing poor health.

Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread public health measures were implemented to control community transmission. The association between these measures and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients following percutaneous coronary intervention has not been studied. Methods: We included consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the state-wide Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry between 1/3/2020 and 30/9/2020 (COVID-19 period; n = 5024), with a historical control group from the identical period one year prior (control period; n = 5041). HRQOL assessment was performed via telephone follow-up 30 days following PCI using the 3-level EQ-5D questionnaire and Australian-specific index values. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, but during the COVID-19 period indication for PCI was more common for acute coronary syndromes. No patients undergoing PCI were infected with COVID-19 at the time of their procedure. EQ-5D visual analogue score (VAS), index score, and individual components were higher at 30 days following PCI during the COVID-19 period (all P < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, the COVID-19 period was independently associated with higher VAS and index scores. No differences were observed between regions or stage of restrictions in categorical analysis. Similarly, in subgroup analysis, no significant interactions were observed. Conclusion: Measures of HRQOL following PCI were higher during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous year. These data suggest that challenging community circumstances may not always be associated with poor patient quality of life.

Aims: We sought to investigate if sex disparity exists for secondary prevention pharmacotherapy following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and impact on long-term clinical outcomes. Methods and results: We analysed data on medical management 30-day post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ACS in 20 976 patients within the multicentre Melbourne Interventional Group registry (2005-2017). Optimal medical therapy (OMT) was defined as five guideline-recommended medications, near-optimal medical therapy (NMT) as four medications, sub-optimal medical therapy (SMT) as ≤3 medications. Overall, 65% of patients received OMT, 27% NMT and 8% SMT. Mean age was 64 ± 12 years; 24% (4931) were female. Women were older (68 ± 12 vs. 62 ± 12 years) and had more comorbidities. Women were less likely to receive OMT (61% vs. 66%) and more likely to receive SMT (10% vs. 8%) compared to men, P < 0.001. On long-term follow-up (median 5 years, interquartile range 2-8 years), women had higher unadjusted mortality (20% vs. 13%, P < 0.001). However, after adjusting for medical therapy and baseline risk, women had lower long-term mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79-0.98; P = 0.02]. NMT (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05-1.31; P = 0.004) and SMT (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.55-2.07; P < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of long-term mortality. Conclusion: Women are less likely to be prescribed optimal secondary prevention medications following PCI for ACS. Lower adjusted long-term mortality amongst women suggests that as well as baseline differences between gender, optimization of secondary prevention medical therapy amongst women can lead to improved outcomes. This highlights the need to focus on minimizing the gap in secondary prevention pharmacotherapy between sexes following ACS.

AIMS: This study aims to evaluate if pre-hospital heparin administration by paramedics is safe and improves clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the multicentre Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry, linked with state-wide ambulance records, we identified consecutive patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI between January 2014 and December 2018. Information on thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow at angiography was available in a subset of cases. Patients receiving pre-hospital heparin were compared to those who did not receive heparin. Findings at coronary angiography and 30-day clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Propensity-score matching was performed for risk adjustment. We identified a total of 4720 patients. Of these, 1967 patients had TIMI flow data available. Propensity-score matching in the entire cohort yielded 1373 matched pairs. In the matched cohort, there was no observed difference in 30-day mortality (no-heparin 3.5% vs. heparin 3.0%, P=0.25), MACCE (no-heparin 7% vs. heparin 6.2%, P=0.44), and major bleeding (no-heparin 1.9% vs. heparin 1.4%, P=0.64) between groups. Propensity-score analysis amongst those with TIMI data produced 552 matched pairs. The proportion of cases with TIMI 0 or 1 flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA) was lower among those receiving pre-hospital heparin (66% vs. 76%, P<0.001) compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION : In this multicentre, propensity-score matched study, the use of pre-hospital heparin by paramedics was safe and is associated with fewer occluded IRAs in patients presenting with STEMI.Copyright Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author(s) 2021. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Background: Radial access reduces bleeding and is associated with improved survival following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We evaluated the association between sex, markers of body size and radial access, and its impact on bleeding and mortality following PCI for ACS. Methods and Results: From 2013-2016, consecutive patients treated with PCI for ACS across 30 centres were prospectively entered into the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry and followed for 30 days. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse predictors of the primary endpoint of PCI access site and secondary endpoints of major bleeding and mortality. A total of 16,330 ACS patients (40.9% ST elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI]) underwent PCI (23.5% female). Women were older with significantly lower weight and height compared to men. Women had lower radial access use (41.6% versus 51.0%, p<0.001), with higher 30-day major bleeding (2.4% versus 1.4%, p<0.001) and mortality (4.4% versus 3.4%, p<0.001) than men. Female sex independently predicted lower radial access use (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.83, p<0.001) while body surface area, height and body mass index did not. Female sex was an independent predictor of higher 30-day major bleeding (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05-1.81, p=0.019) and mortality in STEMI patients (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70. p=0.039). Radial access was associated with lower major bleeding (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.91, p=0.009) and mortality (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.48-0.75, p<0.001). Conclusion(s): Radial access, despite being associated with lower bleeding and mortality, was used less frequently in women, independent of co-morbidities and objective markers of body size.Copyright © 2020

Background: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is the most common cause of hospital admission in patients over 65, with poorer outcomes demonstrated in rural versus metropolitan areas. The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital and post-discharge management of ADHF patients admitted to rural versus metropolitan hospitals in Victoria. Method(s): Data from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry, Heart Failure (VCOR-HF) project was used. This was a prospective, observational, non-randomised study of consecutive patients admitted to participating hospitals in Victoria, Australia, with ADHF as their primary diagnosis over four 30-day periods during consecutive years. All patients were followed up for 30 days post discharge. Result(s): 1,357 patients (1,260 metropolitan, 97 rural) were admitted to study hospitals with ADHF during the study periods. Cohorts were similar in age (average 76.87+/-13.12 years) and percentage of male gender (56.4% overall). Metropolitan patients were more likely to have diabetes (44.4% vs 34.0%, p=0.046), kidney disease (65.8% vs 37.1%, p<0.01) and anaemia (31.9% vs 19.6%, p=0.01). There was no significant difference in length of stay between metropolitan and rural patients (7.49 vs 6.37 days, p=0.12). There was no significant difference between metropolitan and rural patients in 30-day rehospitalisations (19.1% vs 11.6%, p=0.07, respectively) and all-cause 30-day mortality (8.2% vs 4.1%, p=0.15, respectively). Metropolitan patients were significantly more likely to have seen their general practitioner (GP) (68.1% vs 53.2%, p<0.01) or attend an outpatient clinic (35.9% vs 10.6%, p<0.01) by 30 days. There was no significant difference in number of days to follow-up of any kind between groups. Referrals to a heart failure home visiting program remained low overall (19.9%). Conclusion(s): There was no significant difference in 30-day rehospitalisations or mortality between patients admitted to rural versus metropolitan hospitals.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of age in an all-comers population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: Age is an important consideration in determining appropriateness for invasive cardiac assessment and perceived clinical outcomes. Methods: We analysed data from 29,012 consecutive patients undergoing PCI in the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) registry between 2005 and 2017. 25,730 patients <80 year old (78% male, mean age 62±10 years; non-elderly cohort) were compared to 3,282 patients ≥80 year old (61% male, mean age 84±3 years; elderly cohort). Results: The elderly cohort had greater prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and previous myocardial infarction (all p<0.001). Elderly patients were more likely to present with acute coronary syndromes, left ventricular ejection fraction <45% and chronic kidney disease (p<0.0001). In-hospital, 30-day and long-term all-cause mortality (over a median of 3.6 and 5.1 years for elderly and non-elderly cohorts, respectively) were higher in the elderly cohort (5.2% vs. 1.9%; 6.4% vs. 2.2%; and 43% vs. 14% respectively, all p<0.0001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR 3.8, 95% CI: 3.4–4.3), cardiogenic shock (HR 3.0, 95% CI: 2.6–3.4), ejection fraction <30% (HR 2.5, 95% CI: 2.1–2.9); and age ≥80 years (HR 2.8, 95% CI: 2.6–3.1) were independent predictors of long-term all-cause mortality (all p<0.0001). Conclusion: The elderly cohort is a high-risk group of patients with increasing age being associated with poorer long-term mortality. Age, thus, should be an important consideration when individualising treatment in elderly patients.

Objective Women have reported higher mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) compared with men. With this in mind, we aimed to identify predictors of poor quality of life (QoL) post-ACS as our primary outcome. We examined predictors of MACE, major cerebrovascular events and major bleeding as our secondary outcome. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting 30 metropolitan centres across the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry network. Participants 16 517 patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ACS (22.9% females). Selection/inclusion criteria: consecutive patients with successful or attempted PCI for ACS from 2013 to 2016, alive at 30 days post-PCI. Exclusion criteria: patients not fulfilling ACS criteria. At 30 days, 2497 (64.7% females) completed the QoL EQ-5D-3L instrument. Primary and secondary outcome measures QoL, assessed using the EuroQo-5Dimensions (EQ-5D-3L) instrument by telephone at 30 days. Independent predictors of QoL were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Women were significantly older with more diabetes, cerebrovascular disease and renal failure. Regarding the primary outcome, female sex was independently associated with moderate/severe impairment in all EQ-5D-3L domains including mobility (OR 2.38, 95% CI 2.06 to 2.75, p<0.001), personal care (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.73 to 2.66, p<0.001), activities of daily living (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.63 to 2.08, p<0.001), pain/discomfort (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.67, p<0.001) and anxiety/depression (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.70, p<0.001). Women had significantly lower self-rated Visual Analogue Scale scores (80.0 for both groups, IQR 60-85 vs 70-90, p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the sexes in secondary outcomes. Conclusions Female sex was a predictor of poorer QoL following PCI for ACS including significantly higher pain, anxiety and depression. This was independent of

Background: Timely revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces death following myocardial infarction. We evaluated if a sex gap in symptom-to-door (STD), door-to-balloon (DTB), and door-to-PCI time persists in contemporary patients, and its impact on mortality. Methods and Results: From 2013 to 2016 the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry prospectively recruited 13 451 patients (22.5% female) from 30 centers with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, 47.8%) or non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (52.2%) who underwent PCI. Adjusted log-transformed STD and DTB time in the STEMI cohort and STD and door-to-PCI time in the NSTEMI cohort were analyzed using linear regression. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of 30-day mortality. In STEMI patients, women had longer log-STD time (adjusted geometric mean ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.28, P<0.001), log-DTB time (adjusted geometric mean ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.20, P=0.001), and 30-day mortality (9.3% versus 6.5%, P=0.005) than men. Womens' adjusted geometric mean STD and DTB times were 28.8 and 7.7 minutes longer, respectively, than were mens' times. Women with NSTEMI had no difference in adjusted STD, door-to-PCI time, or early (<24 hours) versus late revascularization, compared with men. Female sex independently predicted a higher 30-day mortality (odds ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.11-2.49, P=0.01) in STEMI but not in NSTEMI. Conclusion(s): Women with STEMI have significant delays in presentation and revascularization with a higher 30-day mortality compared with men. The delay in STD time was 4-fold the delay in DTB time. Women with NSTEMI had no delay in presentation or revascularization, with mortality comparable to men. Public awareness campaigns are needed to address women's recognition and early action for STEMI.Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

Objectives: This study sought to determine the most risk-adjustment model for 30-day all-cause mortality in order to report risk-adjusted outcomes. The study also explored whether the exclusion of extreme high-risk conditions of cardiogenic shock, intubated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), or the need for mechanical ventricular support affected the model's predictive accuracy. Background: Robust risk-adjustment models are a critical component of clinical quality registries, allowing outcomes to be reported in a fair and meaningful way. The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry encompasses all 30 hospitals in the state of Victoria, Australia, that undertake percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: Data were collected on 27,544 consecutive percutaneous coronary intervention procedures from 2014 to 2016. Twenty-eight patient risk factors and procedural variables were considered in the modeling process. The multivariable logistic regression analysis considered derivation and validation datasets, along with a temporal validation period. Results: The model included risk-adjustment for cardiogenic shock, intubated OHCA, estimated glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, angina type, mechanical ventricular support, ≥80 years of age, lesion complexity, percutaneous access site, and peripheral vascular disease. The C-statistic for the derivation dataset was 0.921 (95% confidence interval: 0.905 to 0.936), with C-statistics of 0.931 and 0.934 for 2 validation datasets reflecting the 2014 to 2016 and 2017 periods. Subgroup modeling excluding cardiogenic shock and intubated OHCA provided similar risk-adjusted outcomes (p = 0.32). Conclusions: Our study has developed a highly predictive risk-adjustment model for 30-day mortality that included high-risk presentations. Therefore, we do not need to exclude high-risk cases in our model when determining risk-adjusted outcomes.

Background Trans-radial access for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been associated with lower vascular complication rates and improved outcomes. We assessed the current uptake of trans-radial PCI in Victoria, Australia, and evaluated if patients were selected according to baseline bleeding risk in contemporary clinical practise, and compared selected clinical outcomes. Methods PCI data of all patients between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2014 were analysed using The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR). Propensity-matched analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes. Results 11,711 procedures were analysed. The femoral route was the predominant access site (66%). Patients undergoing trans-radial access PCI were younger (63.9 +/- 11.6 vs. 67.2 +/- 11.8; p < 0.001), had a higher BMI (28.9 +/- 5.5 vs. 28.5 +/- 5.2; p < 0.001), more likely to be male (80.0 vs. 74.9%;p < 0.001), less likely to have presented with cardiogenic shock (0.9 vs. 2.8%; p < 0.001) or have the following comorbidities: diabetes (19.8 vs. 23.1%; p < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (2.9 vs. 4.3%; p = 0.005) or renal impairment (13.6 vs. 22.1%; p < 0.001). The radial group had less bleeding events (3.2 vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001) and shorter hospital length of stay (3.1 +/- 4.7 vs. 3.3 +/- 3.9; p = 0.006). There was no significant difference in mortality (1.0 vs. 1.4%; p = 0.095). Conclusions Trans-femoral approach remains the dominant access site for PCI in Victoria. The choice of route does not appear to be selected by consideration of bleeding risk. The radial route is associated with improved clinical outcomes of reduced bleeding and length of stay consistent with previous findings, and this supports the efficacy and safety of trans-radial PCI in real-world clinical practise.Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of preoperative atrial fibrillation (pre-op AF) on early and late mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Method(s): Data obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent concomitant atrial arrhythmia surgery/ablation were excluded. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients with and without pre-op AF. The independent association of pre-op AF on early mortality, perioperative complications, and late mortality was determined. Result(s): Isolated CABG surgery was performed in 21,534 patients; 1312 (6.1%) presented with pre-op AF. Pre-op AF patients were older (mean age, 71 years vs. 65 years, p<. 0.001) and had more comorbidities reflected in a higher additive EuroSCORE (8.4. +/-. 3.5 vs. 6.5. +/-. 3.2, p=. 0.001). Even after accounting for confounding factors, however, pre-op AF was associated with a 63% increase in 30-day mortality [4.2% vs. 1.4%; hazard ratio (HR), 1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-2.29; p=. 0.004] and 39% increase in late mortality (5-year survival, 78% vs. 90%; HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.20-1.61; p<. 0.001). Conclusion(s): Pre-op AF is an independent predictor of poor early and late outcomes. Pre-op AF should be considered, therefore, in the development or update of risk stratification models for CABG surgery.Copyright © 2014.

Background: An increasing proportion of patients present for concomitant aortic valve replacement (AVR) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early outcomes and late survival of patients with different degrees of LV function undergoing concomitant AVR and CABG. Method(s): Between June 2001 and December 2009, patients undergoing concomitant AVR-CABG were identified from the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program. Demographic, operative data and post-operative outcomes were compared between patients with normal (> 60%), moderately impaired (30-60%), and severely impaired (< 30%) estimated LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Independent risk factors for short-and long-term mortality were identified using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Result(s): AVR-CABG was performed in 2,563 patients with a mean follow up of 36 months (range 0-106). 144 (5.6%) had severely impaired LVEF, 983 (38.3%) had moderately impaired LVEF while the remaining 1377 (53.7%) had normal LVEF. The 30-day mortality in patients with severely impaired, moderately impaired and normal LVEF was 9.0%, 4.3% and 2.9%, respectively. This was significant on univariate (p < 0.001) but not multivariate analysis (p = NS). Severely impaired, moderately impaired and normal LVEF patients experienced 5-year survivals of 63.7%, 77.1% and 82.5%, respectively. Severely impaired LVEF was an independent multivariable predictor of late mortality (HR 1.71; 95% CI 1.22-2.40; p = 0.002). Conclusion(s): Patients with severely impaired LVEF experience worse outcomes. However, in the era of modern surgery, this alone should not predicate exclusion, given the established benefits of surgery in this high-risk group. © 2013 Via Medica.

Background There is a paucity of data on the impact of smoking status on outcomes after concomitant aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft (AVR-CABG) surgery. Methods Data obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients who were nonsmokers, previous smokers, and current smokers using chi-square test and t-test. The independent impact of smoking status on 14 short-term complications and long-term mortality was determined using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Results Concomitant AVR-CABG surgery was performed in 2,563 patients; smoking status was recorded in 2,558 (99.8%) patients. Of these, 1,052 (41.1%) patients had no previous smoking history, 1,345 (52.6%) patients were previous smokers, and 161 (6.3%) patients were current smokers. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.5% in nonsmokers, 4.1% in previous smokers, and 3.1% in current smokers (p = nonsignificant). The incidence of perioperative complications was similar in the three groups. The mean follow-up period for this study was 36 months (range, 0-105 months). After adjusting for differences in patient variables, the incidence of late mortality was higher in previous smokers (hazard ratio [HR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-1.81; p = 0.002) compared with nonsmokers. A trend toward increased late mortality in current smokers was noted (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.86-2.08; p = 0.201). Conclusion Smoking is not associated with adverse outcomes after concomitant AVR-CABG surgery. Smoking status should not, therefore, preclude these patients from undergoing this procedure. Given the adverse effect of smoking on overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and late postoperative mortality, patients should be encouraged to quit smoking. © 2014 Georg Thieme Verlag

Background Comorbidities, such as diabetes, affect revascularization strategy for coronary disease. We sought to determine if the degree of renal impairment affected long-term mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with multi-vessel coronary disease (MVD). Methods and results 8970 patients with MVD undergoing revascularization between 2004 and 2008, in two multi-center parallel PCI and CABG Australian registries were assigned to three groups based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >= 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 1678:839), 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 452:226) and < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 74:37). We used 2:1 propensity matching to compare 3306 patients undergoing primary CABG versus PCI. Shock, myocardial infarction (MI) < 24 h, previous CABG, valve surgery or PCI were exclusions. Long-term mortality (mean 3.1 years) was compared with Cox-proportional hazard-adjusted modeling. Observed long-term mortality rates (CABG vs. PCI) were 4.5% vs. 4.3% p = 0.84, 12.8% vs. 17.3% p = 0.12, and 23.0% vs. 40.5% p = 0.05 in the three strata, respectively. In patients with eGFR >= 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, long-term mortality between PCI and CABG (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.65-1.49, p = 0.95) was similar. However, amongst patients with eGFR 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2, there was a significant mortality hazard with PCI (HR 2.00, 95% CI 1.32-3.04, p = 0.001). In patients with eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2, there was a trend for hazard with PCI (HR 1.66, 95% CI 0.80-3.46, p = 0.17). Conclusion Long-term mortality in MVD patients with preserved renal function was very low and similar between PCI and CABG. However there was a long-term mortality hazard associated with PCI amongst patients with moderate renal impairment. © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Background: Several studies have shown that postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with poorer short-term and long-term outcomes after general cardiac operations. There is, however, a paucity of data on the impact of POAF on outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). Method(s): Data for all patients undergoing isolated first-time AVR between June 2001 and December 2009 was obtained from the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ASCTS) National Cardiac Surgery Database Program and a retrospective analysis was conducted. Preoperative characteristics, early postoperative outcome, and late survival were compared between patients in whom POAF developed and those in whom it did not. Propensity score matching was performed to correct for differences between the 2 groups. Result(s): Excluding patients with preoperative arrhythmia, isolated first-time AVR was performed in 2,065 patients. POAF developed in 725 (35.1%) of them. Patients with POAF were significantly older (mean age, 72 versus 65 years; p < 0.001) and presented more often with comorbidities, including hypertension, respiratory disease, and hypercholesterolemia (all p < 0.05). From the initial study population, 592 propensity-matched patient pairs were derived; the overall matching rate was 81.7%. In the matched groups, 30-day mortality was not significantly different between the POAF and non-POAF groups (1.5% versus 1%; p = 0.48). Patients with POAF were, however, at an independently increased risk of perioperative complications, including new renal failure, gastrointestinal complications, and 30-day readmission (p < 0.05). Seven-year mortality was not significantly different between POAF and non-POAF groups (78% versus 83%; p = 0.63). Conclusion(s): POAF is a risk factor for short-term morbidity but is not associated with a higher rate of early or late mortality after isolated AVR. © 2013 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Background: There are limited data on the impact of smoking status on outcomes after isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Method(s): Data obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients who were non-smokers, previous smokers, and current smokers. The independent impact of smoking status on 14 short-term complications and long-term mortality was determined using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Result(s): Isolated CABG surgery was performed in 21 534 patients; smoking status was recorded in 21 486 (99.8%). Of these, 7023 (32.6%) had no previous smoking history, 11 183 (59.1%) were previous smokers, and 3290 (15.2%) were current smokers. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.8% in non-smokers, 1.5% in previous smokers, and 1.5% in current smokers (p= NS). The incidence of peri-operative complications was generally similar in the three groups, but current smokers were at an increased risk of pneumonia (p< 0.001), and multisystem failure (p= 0.003). The mean follow-up period for this study was 37 months (range, 0-106 months). After adjusting for differences in patient variables, the incidence of late mortality was higher in previous smokers [hazard ratio (HR), 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.47-2.05; p< 0.001] or current smokers (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.26-1.59; p< 0.001) compared to non-smokers. Conclusion(s): Smoking status is not associated with early mortality after isolated CABG. It is, however, associated with an increased risk of pulmonary complications and reduced long-term survival. © 2013 Japanese College of Cardiology.

Background: Preoperative atrial fibrillation (preop-AF) has been associated with poorer early and late outcomes after cardiac surgery. Few studies, however, have evaluated the impact of preop-AF on early and late outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). Method(s): Data obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program was retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent concomitant atrial arrhythmia surgery/ablation were excluded. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients undergoing isolated AVR who presented with preop-AF and those in sinus rhythm. The independent effect of preop-AF on 12 short-term complications and long-term survival was determined using binary logistic and cox regression, respectively. Result(s): Isolated AVR surgery was performed in 2789 patients; 380 (13.6%) presented with preop-AF. Preop-AF patients were generally older (mean age, 73 vs 68 years; P < 0.001) and presented more often with comorbidities including congestive heart failure, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease (all P < 0.05). There was a trend toward increased 30-day mortality in patients with preop-AF on multivariate analysis (. P = 0.051). The incidence of early complications was similar in both groups on multivariate analysis (. P > 0.05). Preop-AF was independently associated with reduced long-term survival (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.83; P = 0.041). Conclusion(s): Preop-AF is associated with an increased risk of late mortality after isolated AVR. As such, concomitant atrial ablation with AVR should be prospectively studied. © 2013 Canadian Cardiovascular Society.

Background and aim of the study: Currently, insufficient data exist relating to the impact of smoking status on outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery. Method(s): Data obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (SCTS) Cardiac Surgery Database Program was analyzed retrospectively. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients who were non-smokers, previous smokers and current smokers, using chi-square and t-tests. The independent impact of smoking status on 14 shortterm complications and long-term mortality was determined using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Result(s): Isolated AVR surgery was performed in 2,790 patients; smoking status was recorded in 2,784 cases (99.8%). Of these patients 1,346 (48.3%) had no previous smoking history, 1,232 (44.3%) were previous smokers, and 206 (7.4%) were current smokers. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.3% in nonsmokers, 2.7% in previous smokers, and 0.5% in current smokers (p = NS). The incidence of perioperative complications was generally similar in the three groups, but current smokers were at an increased risk of pneumonia (p = 0.030) and postoperative myocardila infarction (p = 0.007). The mean follow up period for the study was 37 months (range: 0-105 months). After adjusting for differences in patient variables, the incidence of late mortality was not higher in previous smokers (HR 1.13; 95% Cl 0.87-1.46; p = 0.372) or current smokers (HR 1.25; 95% Cl 0.66-2.36; p = 0.494) compared to non-smokers. Conclusion(s): Smoking status does not necessarily portend a poorer perioperative outcome in patients undergoing isolated AVR. © Copyright by ICR Publishers 2013.

Aim. There is controversy regarding whether isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) in women is associated with an increased risk of early and late mortality. The current study evaluates the impact of gender as an independent risk factor for early and late mortality after isolated AVR. Methods. Data obtained between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program was retrospectively analysed. Demographic, operative data and postoperative complications were compared between male and female patients using chi2 and t-tests. Long-term survival analysis was performed using Kaplan Meier survival curves and the log rank test. Independent risk factors for short term and long term mortality were identified using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Results. Isolated aortic valve replacement was undertaken for 2790 patients in 18 Australian insitutions; 41.9% were female. Female patients were generally older (mean age 72 vs. 66 years (P<0.001) and presented more often with hypertension (P<0.001) and obesity (P<0.001). They were less likely to present with cerebrovascular disease (P=0.018), renal failure (P=0.017) and non-elective presentation (P=0.017). Women were observed to have a lower 30-day mortality (1.7% vs. 2.1%) but there was no difference on univariate (P=0.490) or multivariate analysis (P=0.983). There was no difference in the incidence of early complications but women were more likely to require red blood cell transfusion (P<0.001). Long-term survival was comparable between men and women (P=0.662). Conclusion. Female patients undergoing isolated AVR do not have an increased risk of early and late mortality. Further investigation is required to delineate the impact of gender on early and late outcomes following AVR.

Objective: The advent of percutaneous aortic valve implantation has increased interest in the outcomes of conventional aortic valve replacement in elderly patients. The current study critically evaluates the short-term and long-term outcomes of elderly (=80 years) Australian patients undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement. Method(s): Data obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analysed. Isolated aortic valve replacement was performed in 2791 patients; of these, 531 (19%) were at least 80 years old (group 1). The patient characteristics, morbidity and short-term mortality of these patients were compared with those of patients who were <80 years old (group 2). The long-term outcomes in elderly patients were compared with the age-adjusted Australian population. Result(s): Group 1 patients were more likely to be female (58.6% vs 38.0%, p < 0.001) and presented more often with co-morbidities including hypertension, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease (all p < 0.05). The 30-day mortality rate was not independently higher in group 1 patients (4.0% vs 2.0%, p = 0.144). Group 1 patients had an independently increased risk of complications including new renal failure (11.7% vs 4.2%, p < 0.001), prolonged (=24 h) ventilation (12.4% vs 7.2%, p = 0.003), gastrointestinal complications (3.0% vs 1.3%, p = 0.012) and had a longer mean length of intensive care unit stay (64 h vs 47 h, p < 0.001). The 5-year survival post-aortic valve replacement was 72%, which is comparable to that of the age-matched Australian population. CONCLUSION(S): Conventional aortic valve replacement in elderly patients achieves excellent outcomes with long-term survival comparable to that of an age-adjusted Australian population. In an era of percutaneous aortic valve implantation, it should still be regarded as the gold standard in the man

Objectives: Women undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been previously shown to be at an independently increased risk for post-operative morbidity and mortality. However, there are considerably less data on whether this trend remains true in patients undergoing concomitant aortic valve replacement (AVR) and CABG surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate this pertinent issue. Method(s): Data obtained between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analysed. Demographic, operative data and post-operative complications were compared between male and female patients using chi2 and t tests. Long-term survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. Independent risk factors for short- and long-term mortality were identified using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Result(s): Concomitant AVR and CABG surgery was undertaken in 2,563 patients; 31.8% were female. Female patients were older (mean age 76 vs. 73 years; p < 0.001) and presented more often with hypertension (p < 0.001) but less often with severely impaired ejection fraction (p < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (p < 0.001) and triple vessel disease (p < 0.001). Women did not demonstrate an increased risk of 30-day mortality (4.8 vs. 3.3%) on univariate (p = 0.069) or multivariate (p = 0.236) analysis. Female gender was independently associated with post-operative myocardial infarction (p = 0.022) and red blood cell transfusion (p < 0.001). There was no difference in long-term survival between men and women on multivariate analysis (p = 0.413). Conclusion(s): Female gender is not associated with poorer short- or long-term outcomes after concomitant CABG and AVR surgery. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of injury associated with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE injuries) in cardiac surgery. Design(s): Retrospective. Setting(s): University-affiliated hospitals. Participant(s): Four thousand seven hundred eighty-four patients, 89% of all public hospital cardiac surgery patients in Victoria, from the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ASCTS) database undergoing cardiac surgery with TEE between July 1, 2005, and June 30, 2007. Because ASCTS did not record TEE use before July 2005, it was assumed that 89% of an additional 11,719 cardiac surgery patients between July 2001 and June 2005 also had TEE. Intervention(s): The authors searched the ASCTS database for cardiac surgery patients who also had endoscopy and/or noncardiac surgery. The files of these patients were screened for possible esophageal or gastric tears or perforations. An expert panel determined likely TEE injuries. Measurements and Main Results: There were 6 TEE complications from July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2007 (13/10,000 patients). There were a further 8 TEE complications before June 30, 2005, an extrapolated overall rate of 9/10,000 TEE (95% confidence interval, 5-16/10,000). TEE complications were more frequent in patients more than 70 years old (relative risk [RR], 3.7; p = 0.03) and women (RR, 6.5; p < 0.001). Three patients with TEE injury died (2/10,000). Conclusion(s): TEE is associated with an incidence of major injuries of about 1 per 1,000 patients, with older women having a much higher risk. TEE use in cardiac surgery should be evaluated in the light of practice guidelines and morbidity and mortality data and not considered routine. Crown Copyright © 2009.

Objectives: To determine the association between previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and results after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Background(s): Increasing numbers of patients undergoing CABG have previously undergone PCI. Method(s): We analyzed consecutive first-time isolated CABG procedures within the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Database from June 2001 to May 2008. Logistic regression and propensity score analyses were used to assess the risk-adjusted impact of prior PCI on in-hospital mortality and major adverse cardiac events. Cox regression model was used to assess the effect of prior PCI on mid-term survival. Result(s): Of 13,184 patients who underwent CABG, 11,727 had no prior PCI and 1,457 had prior PCI. Mean follow-up was 3.3 +/- 2.1 years. Patients without prior PCI had a higher EuroSCORE value (4.4 +/- 3.3 vs. 3.6 +/- 3.0, p < 0.001), were older, and more likely to have left main stem stenosis and recent myocardial infarction. There was no difference in unadjusted in-hospital mortality (1.65% vs. 1.55%, p = 0.78) or major adverse cardiac events (3.0% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.99) between patients with or without prior PCI. After adjustment, prior PCI was not a predictor of in-hospital (odds ratio: 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76 to 2.0, p = 0.41) or mid-term mortality at 6-year follow-up (hazard ratio: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.18, p = 0.62). Conclusion(s): In this large registry study, prior PCI was not associated with increased short- or mid-term mortality after CABG. Good outcomes can be obtained in the group of patients undergoing CABG who have had previous PCI. © 2009 American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Objective: Mitral valve surgery may be regarded as less favourable for training, due to greater mortality risk, technical complexity, and difficulty for the supervisor to observe. We examined this perception by reviewing a multicentre experience. Method(s): We analysed a multicentre database over a 7-year period containing 2216 isolated and combined mitral procedures. Of these, 2048 were performed by consultants and 168 by trainees (92% vs 8%) of varying seniority. Preoperative characteristics, early postoperative outcomes and 6-year survival were compared between groups. Propensity-score matching was performed to correct for group differences. Result(s): Trainees were less likely to operate on patients, who had previously undergone coronary surgery (consultant 4.3% vs trainee 1.2%, p=0.043) and those with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (86% vs 81%, p=0.012). There were no other statistically significant differences in preoperative variables, such as urgency, endocarditis and left-ventricular dysfunction. There were similar rates of mitral valve repair (48% vs 51%, p=0.48). Trainees were more likely to operate on rheumatic valve pathology (20% vs 28%, p=0.012). Intra-operatively, trainees had longer aortic cross-clamp times (119 +/- 52 vs 136 +/- 50. min, p=0.0001). At 30 days, mortality was comparable (4.5% vs 3.6%, p=0.56) with a trend towards higher any mortality/morbidity in consultant procedures (33% vs 26%, p=0.059). At 6 years, survival was similar (79 +/- 1.4% vs 78 +/- 4.0%, p=0.73). After derivation of 142 propensity-score-matched patient pairs, trainees cases still experienced longer cross-clamp times (121 +/- 58 vs 137 +/- 52. min, p=0.023), but there was similar 30-day mortality (4.2% vs 3.5%, p>0.99) and any mortality/morbidity (28% vs 24%, p=0.52). Six-year survival between matched pairs was also similar (74 +/- 7.2% vs 80 +/- 4.4%, p=0.64). Trainee status did not predict early or late adverse events after multivariate Cox regression with and

Background: The proportion of elderly (<80 years) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is increasing. Method(s): A retrospective analysis of data, collected by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program between June 2001 and December 2009 was performed. Isolated CABG was performed in 21,534 patients; of these, 1,664 (7.7%) were at least 80 years old (group 1). Patient characteristics, morbidity, and short-term mortality of these patients were compared with those aged less than 80 years (group 2). The long-term outcome of group 1 patients after CABG surgery was compared with an age and sex-matched Australian population. Result(s): Patients over 80 years old were more likely to be female (36.6% vs 17.3%, p < 0.001) and presented significantly more often with heart failure, hypertension, and triple-vessel disease (all p < 0.05). The 30-day mortality was higher in group 1 patients (4.2% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001). Group 1 patients also had an increased risk of complications, including prolonged (>24 hours) ventilation (14.2% vs 8.2%, p < 0.001), renal failure (7.3% vs 3.4%, p < 0.001), and mean intensive care unit stay (60.7 vs 42.5 hours, p < 0.001). The 5-year survival of elderly patients (73%) was comparable with the age-matched Australian population. Independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in group 1 patients included preoperative renal failure (p = 0.010), congestive heart failure (p = 0.014), and a nonelective procedure (p = 0.016). Conclusion(s): Elderly patients who undergo isolated CABG have significantly lower perioperative risks than have been previously reported. The long-term survival of these patients is comparable with an age-adjusted population. © 2011 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Objective: The effect of training on outcomes in cardiac surgery is poorly studied. We aimed to study the results of coronary artery bypass grafting procedures performed by surgeons in training across our state with respect to short- and midterm postoperative outcomes. Method(s): All coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries performed by trainee surgeons between July 2001 and December 2006 were compared with those performed by consultant surgeons using mandatory prospectively collected statewide data. Early mortality; prolonged ventilation or intensive care unit stay; return to operating theater for bleeding, stroke, myocardial infarction, or renal failure; and 5-year survival were compared using propensity score analysis. Result(s): A total of 7745 surgeries were included in this study. Trainees performed 983 (13%) surgeries. Trainee surgeries had longer perfusion and crossclamp times. Crude early postoperative outcomes were similar between trainee and consultant surgeries. After propensity score adjustment, early outcomes remained similar, with the exception of myocardial infarction (0.8% in trainee surgeries vs 0.4% in consultant surgeries, P = .046). Adjusted 1-, 3-, and 5-year survivals were similar between trainee and consultant surgeries: 95.3% versus 95.5%, 90.8% versus 92.0%, and 86.3% versus 87.1%, respectively. Conclusion(s): Coronary artery bypass grafting performed by trainee surgeons within a supervised program is safe with acceptable short- and midterm outcomes. © 2009 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery.

Objectives: The use of the radial artery as a second arterial graft during coronary surgery has become popular due to high patency and low harvest site complication rates. We sought to assess whether higher-risk patients derive such benefits. Method(s): From 2001 to 2009, 11 388 patients underwent isolated primary multivessel coronary surgery. We identified a higher risk subgroup (n=2581) according to urgency status, coronary instability, low ejection fraction and/ or aortic counterpulsation. Among these, 1832 (71%) received at least one radial artery graft in addition to a left internal thoracic artery (LITA). The remaining 749 (29%) received LITA and veins only. Result(s): Patients not receiving a radial artery were more likely to be elderly, female, have poor left ventricular function or be of emergency status. These patients experienced higher unadjusted 30-day mortality (radial 2% vs vein 8%, P<0.0001) with lower unadjusted 7-year survival (80+/-1.3% vs 67+/-2.4%, P<0.0001). Subsequently, 515 patients in the radial group were propensitymatched to 515 receiving only veins (mean logistic EuroSCORE, radial 19+/-14% vs vein 19+/-13%, P=0.87). At 30 days, there were comparable rates of mortality (radial 4% vs vein 3%, P>0.99), stroke (1% vs 1%, P>0.99), myocardial infarction (1% vs 2%, P=0.79), and any morbidity/mortality (34% vs 35%, P=0.95). At seven years, survival of radial and vein groups was similar (radial 75+/-2.6% vs vein 74+/-2.9%, P=0.65). Conclusion(s): Patients with the greatest coronary instability, urgency of surgery, or impairment of ventricular function are not disadvantaged in early outcomes or mid-term survival by use of only a single arterial graft.

Background: Prosthesis - patient mismatch (PPM) is characterised by the effects of inadequate prosthesis size relative to body surface area (BSA). It is uncertain whether PPM after mitral valve replacement impacts upon clinical outcome. This was examined in an Australian population. Method(s): From 2001 to 2009, 1006 mechanical and bioprosthetic mitral valves were implanted across 10 institutions. Effective orifice areas (EOA) were obtained from a literature review of in vivo echocardiographic data. Absent, moderate and severe PPM was defined as an indexed EOA (EOA/BSA) of >1.20 cm2/m2, >0.90 to <=1.20 cm2/m2 and <=0.9 cm 2/m2, respectively. Early outcomes and 7-year survival were compared between these three groups. Result(s): PPM was absent in 34%, moderate in 53% and severe in 13% of patients. Patients with PPM were more likely to be male (42% vs 52% vs 62%, p<0.0001) and obese (14% vs 20% vs 56%, p<0.0001). Postoperatively there was similar 30-day mortality (5% vs 5% vs 6%, p=0.83) and early any mortality/morbidity (24% vs 27% vs 29%, p=0.40). Seven-year survival was similar between groups (72+/-4.1% vs 76+/-3.2% vs 69+/-10.3%, p=0.76). PPM did not predict adverse events after logistic and Cox regressions with and without propensity score adjustment. Subgroup analyses of those with isolated mitral valve surgery, patients with preoperative congestive heart failure and non-obese patients failed to show an association between PPM and mid-term mortality. Conclusion(s): Overall, PPM was not associated with poorer early outcomes or mid-term survival. Oversizing valves may be technically hazardous and do not yield superior outcomes. Easier implantation by appropriate sizing appears justified.

Background: Reoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (redo CABG) shows improving outcomes, but with varying degrees of improvement. We assessed contemporary outcomes after redo CABG to determine if redo status is still a risk factor for early postoperative complications and midterm survival. Method(s): Isolated CABG procedures (June 1, 2001 to May 31, 2008) within the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database were included. Redo status as a predictor for early outcomes was assessed with logistic regression analysis. Midterm survival was determined from the National Death Index. Effect of redo status on midterm survival was assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Result(s): Inclusion criteria were met by 13,436 patients, and 458 (3.4%) underwent redo CABG. Operative mortality was 4.8% for redo CABG and 1.8% for first-time CABG (p < 0.001). After adjustment, redo status remained a predictor for operative mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 3.6), myocardial infarction (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.6 to 6.0), and prolonged ventilation (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.0). Unadjusted survival was lower for the redo CABG group vs the first-time CABG group at up to 6 years (p = 0.01, log-rank test. After adjusting for differences in patient variables, redo status was not a predictor of midterm survival (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.78 to 1.35; p = 0.85). Conclusion(s): Early postoperative outcomes of redo CABG are encouraging. Midterm survival is excellent; however, redo remains a significant risk factor for operative mortality in contemporary practice. © 2009 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Several studies have shown that postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with poorer short- and long-term outcomes after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Nevertheless, there is considerable debate as to whether this reflects an independent association of POAF with poorer outcomes or confounding by other factors. We sought to investigate this issue. Data obtained from June 2001 through December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients who developed POAF and those who did not using chi-square and t tests. The independent impact of POAF on 14 short-term complications and long-term mortality was determined using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Excluding patients with preoperative arrhythmia, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery was performed in 19,497 patients. Of these, 5,547 (28.5%) developed POAF. Patients with POAF were generally older (mean age 69 vs 65 years, p <0.001) and presented more often with co-morbidities including congestive heart failure (p <0.001), hypertension (p <0.001), cerebrovascular disease (p <0.001), and renal failure (p = 0.046). Patients with POAF demonstrated a greater 30-day mortality on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis (p = 0.376). Patients with POAF were, however, at an independently increased risk of perioperative complications including permanent stroke (p <0.001), new renal failure (p <0.001), infective complications (p <0.001), gastrointestinal complications (p <0.001), and return to the theater (p <0.001). POAF was also independently associated with shorter long-term survival (p = 0.002). In conclusion, POAF is a risk factor for short-term morbidity and decreased long-term survival. Rigorous evaluation of various therapies that prevent or decrease the impact of POAF is imperative. Moreover, patient

Introduction: The use of the radial artery as a second arterial graft during coronary surgery has become popular due to high patency, encouraging clinical outcomes and low harvest site complication rates. However it is not clear whether higher risk patients derive such benefits. We sought to assess this by examining outcomes in higher risk subgroups. Method(s): A multicentre database was analysed. From 2001 to 2009, 11 388 patients underwent isolated multivessel coronary surgery. We identified a higher risk subgroup (n=3149) according to emergent status, coronary instability, low ejection fraction, aortic counterpulsation or anticoagulant status. Among these, 2231 (71%) received at least 1 radial artery graft in addition to a left internal thoracic artery (LITA). The remaining 918 (29%) received LITA and veins only. Propensity-score matching and adjustment was performed to correct for group differences. Result(s): Patients who did not receive a radial artery were more likely to be older (mean age, radial: 66+/-10 years vs vein: 71+/-10, p<0.0001) female (22% vs 27%, p=0.002), have poor left ventricular function (16% vs 23%, p<0.0001), left main stenosis (35% vs 41%, p=0.002) or be of emergent status (11% vs 24%, p<0.0001). These patients experienced higher unadjusted 30-day mortality (2.2% vs 7.1%, p<0.0001) and poorer 7-year survival (p<0.0001). Furthermore, 548 patients in the radial group were propensity-score matched to 548 receiving LITA and veins.At 30 days, there were comparable rates of mortality (radial: 2% vs vein: 3%, p=0.19), stroke (1% vs 1%, p=0.51), myocardial infarction (1% vs 1%, p=0.77), major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (2% vs 4%, p=0.12), return to theatre (5% vs 7%, p=0.19), hospital readmissions (12% vs 12%, p>0.99) and combined any mortality/morbidity (30% vs 32%, p=0.33). At 7 years, survival between radial and vein groups was similar (79+/-2.5% vs 80+/-2.5%, p=0.74). Propensity-adjusted multivariable regression did not

Objective: To examine trends in preoperative clinical characteristics, risk profiles and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in Victoria. Design, setting and patients: A prospective analysis of 9372 patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery between 1 July 2001 and 30 June 2006 in six Victorian public hospitals, using the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons database. Main Outcome Measure(s): Trends in patient baseline characteristics and risk factors, postoperative morbidity and 30-day mortality rate. Result(s): Over the 5 years, the mean age of patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery/increased, from 65.4 years in 2001-02 to 66.0 years in 2005-06 (P < 0.001). There was also an increase in the proportion of patients with hypertension (70.2% to 75.8%; P < 0.001), respiratory disease (83.2% to 89.5%; P < 0.001) and left main coronary artery disease (22.1% to 26.1%; P = 0.03), while the number of patients undergoing repeat CABG surgery decreased (4.4% to 2.6%; P = 0.002). The overall 30-day mortality rate remained unchanged (2.2% to 1.8%; P = 0.983). Rates of other major postoperative complications showed no significant change over the study period. Conclusion(s): Rates of 30-day mortality and postoperative morbidity after CABG surgery have remained steady, despite the surgical population being older. Short-term outcomes after CABG surgery in Victoria remain among the most favourable reported in any population undergoing this surgery.