Trends in coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Victoria, 2001-2006: findings from the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons database project

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in preoperative clinical characteristics, risk profiles and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in Victoria. DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS: A prospective analysis of 9372 patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery between 1 July 2001 and 30 June 2006 in six Victorian public hospitals, using the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trends in patient baseline characteristics and risk factors, postoperative morbidity and 30-day mortality rate. RESULTS: Over the 5 years, the mean age of patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery increased, from 65.4 years in 2001-02 to 66.0 years in 2005-06 (P < 0.001). There was also an increase in the proportion of patients with hypertension (70.2% to 75.8%; P < 0.001), respiratory disease (83.2% to 89.5%; P < 0.001) and left main coronary artery disease (22.1% to 26.1%; P = 0.03), while the number of patients undergoing repeat CABG surgery decreased (4.4% to 2.6%; P = 0.002). The overall 30-day mortality rate remained unchanged (2.2% to 1.8%; P = 0.983). Rates of other major postoperative complications showed no significant change over the study period. CONCLUSION: Rates of 30-day mortality and postoperative morbidity after CABG surgery have remained steady, despite the surgical population being older. Short-term outcomes after CABG surgery in Victoria remain among the most favourable reported in any population undergoing this surgery.