No abstract

In conclusion, we have identified risk factors for sternal wound infection, many of which are modifiable. We have also shown that there is a significant increase in mortality in patients with sternal wound infection during a 4-year follow-up period after CABG.

Peri-operative RBC transfusion after CABG is associated with an increased risk of mortality during a 1-year follow-up period, with a large proportion of deaths occurring within 30-days.

No abstract

Obese patients are not associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality following coronary artery bypass surgery. In contrast, there is a significant increased risk of morbidities and post-operative length of stay in obese patients compared to non-obese patients.

Publication of cardiac surgery mortality data in the UK has been associated with decreased risk adjusted mortality on retrospective analysis of a large patient database. There is no evidence that fewer high risk patients are undergoing surgery because mortality rates are published.

No abstract

The logistic EuroSCORE is a reasonable overall predictor for contemporary cardiac surgery but overestimates observed mortality. Its accuracy at predicting risk in different surgical subgroups varies. The logistic EuroSCORE should be recalibrated before it is used to gain reassurance about outcomes. Caution should be exercised when using it to compare hospitals or surgeons with a different operative case mix.