Pii: S1010-7940(99)00306-1

Objective: To determine if arterial conduit selection or more ef®cient arterial revascularization techniques in ̄uence in-hospital mortality. Methods: Data from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Australia, between 1 January 1996 and 30 June 1998 (n ˆ 1681) was collected prospectively. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: Independent preoperative predictors of increased in-hospital mortality included renal failure, redo coronary artery surgery and intra-aortic balloon pump use. Inhospital mortality for total arterial revascularization 0.7%, radial artery use 0.9%, pedicled arterial revascularization 0.2%, composite arterial conduit 0.4%, and the exclusive Y graft operation 0.3%. These were all associated with reduced in-hospital mortality. Mortality when vein graft was used was 2.9%. Most patients received total arterial revascularization, which was considered the primary surgical strategy. Conclusion: Total arterial revascularization, radial artery use and complex arterial reconstructions were associated with reduced in-hospital mortality. Preoperative renal failure, intra-aortic balloon pump use and redo coronary surgery predicted greater in-hospital mortality. q 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.