To evaluate the perioperative cardiac management practices in vascular surgery across Germany, highlighting its significance for patient safety.
Key Findings:
Response rate was 52% (169/324).
62% of responders acknowledged perioperative myocardial ischemia as a relevant issue after open abdominal aortic surgery, indicating a need for improved management.
87% perform preoperative cardiological evaluations before open abdominal aortic surgery, but only 42% before vascular surgery and 12% before peripheral interventions.
Routine postoperative monitoring in intensive care varied significantly, with 14% monitoring for less than 24 hours after open abdominal aortic surgery, raising concerns about patient safety.
Only 19% routinely apply serum troponin tests postoperatively after open abdominal aortic surgery.
Interpretation:
There is a lack of standardized protocols for cardiac risk stratification in vascular surgery, leading to individual practices that vary widely among institutions, which may adversely affect patient outcomes.
Limitations:
The study's findings are based on self-reported data from participating clinics, which may introduce bias and affect the reliability of the results.
The survey response rate of 52% may not fully represent the practices of all vascular surgery departments in Germany, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the variability in perioperative cardiac management practices in vascular surgery and underscores the need for standardized guidelines to improve patient outcomes, suggesting areas for future research.
