Early Effect of Cardiac Surgery on Left-Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Aortocoronary artery bypass (ACB) is being performed with increased frequency for the relief of angina in patients with coronary artery disease.1,2 Despite the satisfactory relief of angina, however, there has been concern that the operation may be associated with either deterioration or lack of improvement in left ventricular (LV) performance.3–6 In addition, there is a definite risk of intraoperative acute myocardial infarction. 7–8 Also, low cardiac output is frequently observed early after valve replacement surgery, and this may reflect LV dysfunction. Considerable attention has been paid to optimal preservation of myocardium in patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures.