Total-Arterial Revascularization Is Superior in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction-A Propensity Score Matched Retrospective Multicenter Analysis.

Abstract

Background: Total arterial revascularization (TAR) may improve outcomes in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: We retrospectively screened 574 adults with HFrEF (LVEF < 40%) undergoing isolated CABG across four German centers (2017-2023). After 1:1 propensity score matching, 240 patients were analyzed (120 TAR vs. 120 NTAR). The primary endpoint was in-hospital MACCE (death, MI, stroke). Key secondary endpoints included ICU/hospital length-of-stay, ventilation time, delirium, transfusion requirements, and acute kidney injury. Results: MACCE occurred in 4.1% (TAR) vs. 14.2% (NTAR) (p = 0.007). TAR was associated with shorter ICU stay (median 44.5 h vs. 90 h, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (10 d vs. 12 d, p = 0.002), reduced ventilation time (8 h vs. 12 h, p < 0.001), lower delirium (5.0% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.016), and fewer RBC transfusions intra-operatively (0.13 ± 0.45 vs. 0.31 ± 0.58 units, p = 0.028) and during the entire stay (0.70 ± 1.33 vs. 1.77 ± 2.91 units, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this multicenter propensity-matched cohort, TAR was associated with lower in-hospital MACCE and more favorable perioperative outcomes compared with NTAR. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm causality and long-term benefits.