Original Article

The Effect of a Real-Time Computer System on Patient Morbidity and Mortality in Cardiac Surgery

Providence Medical Center, Portland, OR

^* Address correspondence to: Charles F. Jerabek, Department of Surgery, Providence Medical Center, 4805 N. E. Glisan, Portland, OR 97213

Abstract

Computer systems, manufactured by large corporations or assembled by individual hospitals, have recently been incorporated into the practice of perfusion. However, no study has been undertaken to determine whether these systems are effective in reducing patient mortality or morbidity. This study compares 72 CABG patients (36 before the implementation of a real-time computer monitoring system and 36 using the Providence Perfusion Software Package). No statistically significant differences (p<.05) were found in the pre-operative comparison of the two groups. Since no real time surgical data was recorded on the control group, evaluation of intraoperative data was not attempted. Post-operative data showed no statistical difference between the two groups. Subsequently a third group of 54 patients was compared to the control with similar results and to the intraoperative data of group two where several minor differences were noted. In light of this information, the cost effectiveness of a prepackaged system must be examined and other alternatives should be explored.