Coronary Artery Bypass Questions

Average 10-year survival for CAB across all groups is about 75%.

The third rising phase of hazard for death following CAB is not affected by IMA grafting.

Cardiopulmonary bypass time is not a procedural risk factor for death.

Risk of death is increased with increasing number of stenosed vessels.

CAB should ideally be performed within one week of acute MI to prevent increased risk.

Question 2: Which of the following statements is true regarding CAB outcomes?

IMA use in the elderly does not affect early risk.

Ventricular arrhythmia is the most common ischemic event after CAB.

The late rising phase of hazard for the return of angina is due to the closure of grafts.

Over 10% of patients will suffer a myocardial infarction within 5 years after CAB.

Preoperative ejection fraction has no correlation with postoperative incidence of sudden death.

Question 3: Which of the following statements is true regarding CAB outcomes?

Up to 75% of patients will have evidence of subtle neurobehavioral deficits after CAB.

Gross neurologic deficit occurs in about 4% of patients over age 75%.

Maximal exercise capacity, but not functional capacity, is improved after CAB.

Less than 50% of patients have improvement in regional perfusion defects after CAB.

Only hypokinetic areas can be expected to have improved systolic function after surgery.

Question 4: Which of the following statements is true regarding the natural history of grafts?

Complete revascularization decreases the late frequency of ventricular arrhythmia.

About 1/3 of vein grafts will have an important reduction in flow at 3 years.

The 5-10% of IMA grafts that develop stenoses will eventually occlude, requiring reoperation.

Bilateral IMA grafting has been shown to increase survival when compared to single IMA grafting.

Native coronary stenoses proximal to a vein graft do not progress over time.

Question 5: Which of the following statements is true regarding reoperation for coronary artery disease?

25% of patients will require reoperation at 10 years.

Native vessel disease progression is the most common cause for reoperation.

10-year survival after CAB reoperation is less than 50%.

Younger age at first CAB increases the risk for second CAB.

Use of the IMA lengthens the time between first and second CAB, but does not reduce the prevalence of reoperation.

Question 6: Which of the following statements is true regarding indications for CAB?

A 50% left main stenosis can be treated with either PTCA or CAB.

Patients with 3-vessel disease, good LV function, and mild ischemia should undergo prompt operation.

CAB is indicated with 2-vessel disease and depressed LV function.

Depression of LV function below 20% is an indication for CAB.

Acute hemodynamic instability after acute MI is a contraindication to emergent CAB.