2010 Rate of Arterial Graft Use in CABG Surgery

19 hospitals in Washington perform cardiac surgery. All 19 of these hospitals participate in COAP, a statewide quality improvement program and are working hard to increase the use of arterial grafts for CABG surgery in eligible patients. When CABG surgery was first developed, surgeons used a portion of the grater saphenous vein in the leg for the graft. However, better results have been found using the Left Internal Mammary Artery (LIMA), an artery within the chest wall. This artery is similar in size to the coronary arteries, is more durable and usually stays open longer. Surgeons have found that by using LIMA or other arterial grafts in combination with the saphenous vein, they can decrease the patient’s risk of needing repeat surgery and improve long-term survival rates. Many studies have also found that it can reduce the need for transfusion, decrease length of stay in the hospital and lower rates of recurring chest pain and heart attacks.

Results for this measure refer to the percentage of eligible patients in Washington State that received an arterial graft during their coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Since 2004, the statewide average has increased from 91% to approximately 96%. Individual hospital results for 2010 range from a low of 91.6% of patients who received an arterial graft, to a high of 100%.

Certain patients, such as those undergoing emergency surgery and those who have had previous heart procedures, may not be eligible for an arterial graft. Treating coronary artery disease is complex and each individual case is unique. Ask your surgeon about their rate of arterial graft use in coronary artery bypass surgery at your hospital. Encourage your surgeon to examine their COAP report regarding arterial graft use so they know you care!