Prevalence of aortocoronary graft marker use and the factors affecting this decision.
BACKGROUND
Despite quantifiable evidence that aortocoronary graft marker (ACGM) insertion is associated with a beneficial impact at postoperative angiography, the choice whether or not to insert them at the time of bypass surgery remains optional.


METHODS
A one-time anonymous membership survey of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons was used to determine the prevalence of ACGM use and obtain demographic data regarding (1) the type of ACGM inserted, (2) reasons influencing the decision as to whether or not to use ACGMs, and (3) the occurrence of possible related complications.


RESULTS
Thirty-nine percent (1,405 of 3,558) and 37% (198 of 531) were returned from within and outside the Unites States, respectively. Sixty percent of US respondents routinely insert ACGMs in the majority of their individual cases. The most frequent reason to not insert ACGMs was a "lack of perceived benefit."


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of respondents practicing within the United States routinely insert ACGMs at the time of surgery. As no complication directly attributable to the use of graft markers has been reported, further study is warranted to determine the actual complication rate, although it is expected to be low.
Eisenhauer
M D
MD
The Cardiology Service, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234, USA.
Wicks
A B
AB
Olson
J P
JP
Heric
B
B
D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States