Preoperative CT sways heart surgery's outcome

Findings from a Washington, DC, study suggest that cardiac CT performed before a repeat surgical revascularization may lead to safer and more cost-effective operations. Pre-op CT was also linked to a higher likelihood of improved peri- and postoperative outcomes in these patients.

Dr. Gabriel Maluenda and colleagues at the Washington Hospital Center reviewed a series of 364 consecutive patients who underwent a repeat sternotomy for bypass grafting repair or other revascularization procedures. Of these, 136 had been referred for cardiac CT to provide guidance to surgeons. The investigators found that patients who underwent scanning had a statistically significant chance of suffering less bleeding and fewer heart attacks and of enjoying shorter spells in intensive care. Maluenda presented study results at the 2009 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography meeting.