Are percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting safe enough?

Article type: Research Article

Authors: de Mol, Bas A.^{; ;} | Koornneef, Floor

Affiliations: Academic Medical Center, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands | Delft University of Technology, Safety Science Division, Delft, Netherlands

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel. (+ 31-20) 566 6088; Fax (+ 31-20) 696 2289.

Abstract: Cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons apply invasive procedures in increasing numbers of patients. Several studies reveal a high rate of adverse outcome and mortality, which is not related to a different composition of the patient groups or their risk profiles for complications. The answer to the question whether invasive treatment is safe enough depends on what is regarded as an acceptable risk of failure and whether failure can be reasonably prevented. The prospect of an economic reward for meeting safety standards by institutions and physicians in terms of business income or reduction of the litigation pressure, is essential. Also, adequate disclosure of risks to patients may add to their sense of safety.

Keywords: Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, Coronary artery bypass grafting, Medical injury, Litigation

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-1994-6105

Journal: International Journal of Risk and Safety in Medicine, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 39-45, 1994