Heart Surgery Mortality Rates Up Slightly in California, Data Show
The mortality rate for California patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery increased slightly each year between 2009 and 2012, according to data released by the Office of Statewide Health Policy and Development, Payers & Providers reports.
CABG is the most common type of open heart surgery performed in the U.S.
For the report, OSHPD examined the mortality rate among 126 hospitals and 272 surgeons who performed the procedure in 2012.
Details of CABG Rates
According to the data, the CABG mortality rate in California was 2.11% in 2012, compared with:
- 2.01% in 2011;
- 2% in 2010; and
- 1.9% in 2009.
However, the 2012 average was lower than the 2.91% mortality rate in 2003 -- the first year reporting was required.
Meanwhile, the number of CABGs performed dropped by 5.6%, from 12,399 in 2011 to 11,720 in 2012. The number of procedures has decreased in part because of the increased prevalence of less-invasive options, according to Payers & Providers.
Meanwhile, OSHPD found that in 2012:
- 28 hospitals in the state reported no deaths related to CABGs; and
- 35 hospitals in the state reported mortality rates below the statewide average.
Post-Operative Stroke, Readmission Rates
OSHPD also examined stroke rates and readmissions within 30 days of CABG procedures.
The data showed that the post-operative stroke rate between 2011 and 2012 was 1.48% -- or 358 strokes out of 24,119 CABG procedures -- compared with 1.32% between 2010 and 2011.
The 2012 post-operative readmission rate was 12.24% -- or 1,292 patients out of 10,553 -- compared with 12.97% in 2011 (Shinkman, Payers & Providers, 8/19).
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