No abstract

As DSWI is related to sternotomy, a MIC approach should be considered for patients at high risk for DSWI. IMA takedown as a pedicled graft should be especially avoided in patients with diabetes since the risk for postoperative mediastinitis is unacceptably high in this patient group.

Postoperative delirium is a common complication in cardiac operations. The increased use of beating-heart surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass may lead to a lower prevalence of this complication and thus improve patient outcomes.

As prolonged ICU stay is associated with poor patient outcome and increased costs it is of utmost importance to identify patients at a high risk for prolonged ICU stay. More frequent off-pump CABG may optimize patient outcome.

Although numbers were inadequate for full statistical evaluation, P/T and I/C were similarly effective in the treatment of severe nosocomially acquired pneumonia.