Heart team discussion in managing patients with coronary artery disease: outcome and reproducibility

Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2012 May;14(5):594-8. doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivr157. Epub 2012 Jan 31.

Abstract

Recent ESC/EACTS revascularization guidelines advocate a 'Heart Team' (HT) approach in the decision-making process when managing patients with coronary disease. We prospectively assessed HT decision-making in 150 patients analysing personnel attendance, data presented, the 'actioning' of the HT decision and, if not completed, then the reasons why. Additionally, 50 patients were specifically re-discussed after 1 year in order to assess consistency in decision-making. We have two HT meetings each week. At least one surgeon, interventional cardiologist and non-interventional cardiologist were present at all meetings. Data presented included patient demographics, symptoms, co-morbidities, coronary angiography, left ventricular function and other relevant investigations, e.g. echocardiograms. HT decisions included continued medical treatment (22%), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI; 22%), coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG; 34%) or further investigations such as pressure wire studies, dobutamine stress echo or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (22%). These decisions were fully undertaken in 86% of patients. Reasons for aberration in the remaining 21 patients included patient refusal (CABG 29%, PCI 10%) and further co-morbidities (28%). On re-discussion of the same patient data (n = 50) a year later, 24% of decisions differed from the original HT recommendations reflecting the fact that, for certain coronary artery disease pattern, either CABG or PCI could be appropriate.

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Agents / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Continuity of Patient Care
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Coronary Artery Bypass* / adverse effects
  • Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis
  • Coronary Artery Disease / therapy*
  • England
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication*
  • Male
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care*
  • Patient Care Team*
  • Patient Selection
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cardiovascular Agents