Pulmonary embolism following coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening complication, with a deceptive clinical presentation following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

We identified 13 studies on PE in post-CABG patients, spanning a period of 34 years.

RESULTS

The overall cumulative incidence of PE following CABG was 1.3% (111 PEs in 8553 CABGs).

CONCLUSION

We suggest further prospective randomized studies to examine the effect of saphenous system vein grafting, and choice of low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis on the incidence of post-CABG PE.