The Need for Cardiac Pacing after Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the necessity of temporary cardiac pacing and identify the predictors of pacing after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 150 patients who had isolated CABG between November 2013 and December 2021. Patients were classified into two groups: group A, (n = 135) who did not need to be paced and group B, (n = 15) who needed temporary epicardial pacing. Only 10% (15/150) of patients in the study needed pacing. The primary outcome variable was assessment of the need for postoperative temporary cardiac pacing (TCP) (patients were paced during chest closure or at any time during hospital admission). The incidence of pacing during the postoperative period was observed. Univariate and multivariate predictors for postoperative pacing were determined and specicific predictors for cardiac pacing were found. Results: In both univariate and multivariate analysis, Old age > 65 years, diabetes mellitus, pacing to come off cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), CPB time > 100 min, cardioversion to leave OR, antiarrhythmics to leave OR and new onset of atrial fibrillation (AF), were found to be significant predictors for the need to cardiac pacing. Conclusion: After coronary artery bypass surgery, a small percentage of patients require TCP. We emphasize unique predictors for postoperative pacing in this study.