[Coronary surgery at the Heart Center in Oslo 1989-98].
BACKGROUND
Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 5,658 consecutive patients during the period 1989-1998. Due to changes over time, both in patients' risk profile and surgical strategies, a review was undertaken to study trends and results after coronary artery bypass surgery.


METHODS
Our database includes more than 160 variables per patient, covering preoperative risk factors, catheterization data, operative and postoperative results. These data form the basis for analysis over time.


RESULTS
Median age increased for both genders, from 58 years to 64 years for males and 62.5 years to 69 years for females. The female proportion increased from 12.8% to 19.8%. A high operative risk profile was registered in 23.7% in 1989 compared to 61.8% in 1998. Heparin-coated extracorporeal equipment and blood cardioplegia were gradually introduced in routine practice. Despite higher age and operative risk profile the morbidity and hospital mortality (0.41% overall) remained nearly unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to continuous improvement of technical equipment and treatment strategies, coronary artery bypass surgery represents a safe option for both high and low risk patients.
Ovrum
E
E
Hjertesenteret i Oslo.
Tangen
G
G
Oystese
R
R
Dragsund
S
S
Nitter-Hauge
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019992:Databases as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors