The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: A Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort Study.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted cardiac surgery, limiting patient access and altering care quality. This study evaluates changes in cardiovascular disease severity, types, and postoperative complications in patients qualifying for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during the pandemic. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1499 CABG patients at our institution between March 2018 and February 2022. Patients were categorised into two groups: pre-pandemic (March 2018 to February 2020, N = 853) and pandemic (March 2020 to February 2022, N = 646). We analysed and detailed data across three major COVID-19 waves in Poland. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 646 patients underwent CABG, a 24.3% decline from 853 pre-pandemic procedures. Urgent procedures increased from 37.6% to 44%, and life-saving procedures rose from 2.9% to 5.2% (p < 0.05). The use of cardiopulmonary bypass increased, along with longer procedure times (median of 279.7 min vs. 315 min; p < 0.001). The duration of mechanical ventilation increased during the pandemic period (median 12 h vs. 11 h; p < 0.05). No significant differences in postoperative complications were noted. Analysis during the three COVID-19 waves showed consistent baseline characteristics. In the second wave, life-saving CABG procedures reached 11.4%, with 17.5% of patients presenting acute coronary symptoms. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic reduced CABG procedures, prioritising urgent cases. Short-term mortality odds rose, despite unchanged patient risk profiles. More multicentre research is needed to understand resource constraints on cardiac surgical outcomes and to establish guidelines for patient prioritisation in future pandemics.