Emergency coronary artery bypass surgery after failed percutaneous coronary intervention.

AIM: The incidence of patients subjected to emergency coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is decreasing due to improvement of PCI technique and device technology. The aim of our study is to evaluate cases subjected to emergency CABG after complicated PCI to determine incidence, indications and results of surgery and to compare them with other emergency cases which are not related to angioplasty or stenting. METHODS: From April 1999 to December 2005, 1 200 patients who underwent PCI were analysed. Those patients who developed complications related to PCI and required surgical intervention were included (PCI group N.=31). These patients were compared with other emergency cases not related to PCI (non-PCI group N.=48). The selection of these patients was based on the criteria of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. RESULTS: The incidence of PCI complications which necessitated emergency surgical intervention was 2.6%. The main indication was due to unsatisfactory angioplasty with ongoing myocardial ischemia (68%), stent thrombosis (13%), dissection (10%) retained angioplasty wire (6.5%), and perforation (3%). The incidence of cardiogenic shock, ongoing ischemia, acute infarction <24 h and the use of intra-aortic balloon pumps were similar among both groups. But the incidence of preoperative cardiac arrest was more in PCI patients (41.9% vs 22.9%, P=0.07). The timing of surgical intervention after termination of PCI varied from immediate transfer to 12 h (mean 3.4+/-3) while, in the non-PCI patients, the time was from 5-24 h (mean 13.3+/-6). Completeness of revascularization was similar among both groups. However, the mean number of grafts per patient was more in non-PCI group (2.4+/-0.9 vs 2.0+/-0.8, P=0.25). In-hospital mortality was 12.9% among PCI patients in comparison to 10.4% in non-PCI group (P=0.73). The combined incidence of major postoperative morbidity was more among PCI patients. Nevertheless, the difference was not significant except for acute renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency coronary artery bypass grafting among patients with PCI complications and those patients not related to PCI is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Although, the percentage of mortality and morbidity was more among PCI patients the difference between both groups was not significant. Surgical backup and collaboration between cardiologist and surgeons is needed to reduce delay in management and patients transfer to obtain the best surgical outcome.

MetS and cardiovascular risk factors among Palestinians of East Jerusalem.

In a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2005, we determined the prevalence metabolic syndrome (MetS) and other atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors among a sample of 342 Palestinians > or = 20 years in East Jerusalem. Participants were interviewed and anthropometric measurements and blood testing were done. MetS was found in 115 (33.6%) participants, with no significant difference between the sexes. The prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors was also high, with central obesity and obesity (BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) being significantly higher in women (P <0.01). With the exception of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and haemoglobin, there was a significantly higher prevalence of atherosclerotic markers among the MetS group.

MetS and cardiovascular risk factors among Palestinians of East Jerusalem

In a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2005, we determined the prevalence metabolic syndrome [MetS] and other atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors among a sample of 342 Palestinians >/= 20 years in East Jerusalem. Participants were interviewed and anthropometric measurements and blood testing were done. MetS was found in 115 [33.6%] participants, with no significant difference between the sexes. The prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors was also high, with central obesity and obesity [BMI >/= 30 kg/m[2]] being significantly higher in women [P < 0.01]. With the exception of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and haemoglobin, there was a significantly higher prevalence of atherosclerotic markers among the MetS group

Off-pump coronary artery bypass in multi-vessel disease: effect of ejection fraction on early and midterm mortality and morbidity.

AIM: Left ventricular function is an independent predictor of operative mortality. The outcome of myocardial revascularization is greatly affected by the severity of impairment of cardiac function. The present study was undertaken to find the early and midterm mortality and morbidity among patients with different degrees of myocardial function undergoing off-pump bypass. METHODS: Hundred and forty two patients with isolated coronary revascularization were divided into three groups according to left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). Forty eight patients with LVEF<30% (group I), 48 patients with LVEF between 30-40% (group II), and 46 patients with LVEF >40% (group III). Clinical, operative and post operative outcome were compared. Patients were followed up to find midterm survival and control of symptoms. RESULTS: The mean age for the patients observed was 56.5+/-9.8 years. Preoperative predicted mortality according to euroSCORE was much higher in group I due to high incidence of preoperative heart failure and recent myocardial infarction. The extent of coronary vessel involvement was similar among the three groups, but those in group III had more single vessel disease. The number of grafts performed per patient was lowest in group I (1.7+/-0.6) and highest in group III (2.0+/-0.6) P=0.03. Overall hospital mortality was 4.2%.The mean euroSCORE of patients who died was 18.7+/-22.5. All in-hospital mortality was among patients who belonged to the high risk group I, 6 (12.5%). Morbidity was similar among all groups. The incidence of myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, and acute renal failure were slightly higher in group I; 95.6% of patients were followed up for 7-69 months (mean 27.6+/-17.6). The incidence of angina in group I, II, and III was 20%, 6.5%, and 2.2%. Symptomatic heart failure was seen in 17.5% in group I, 6.5% in group II, and 2.2% in group III. Cardiac interventions among group I, II, III was 12.5%, 4.3% and 2.3% respectively. Redo coronary artery bypass CABG was higher in group II (4.3%) compared to 2.5% in group I. Late mortality was similar among all groups. CONCLUSION: Off-pump bypass can be used safely among patients with different degrees of myocardial function. The results of surgery were better than the preoperative predicted euroSCORE. Early mortality and morbidity were directly related to ejection fraction .This is true only when LVEF is below 30%. Midterm mortality was similar among different risk groups.