Date of Award
8-28-2020
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (MMSc)
First Advisor
Jonathan Puchalski, MD, MEd
Abstract
Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a high-risk surgical intervention and commonly accounts for hospital readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Pleural effusions that require therapeutic thoracentesis are a reason for many of the readmissions. Studies have examined the adverse clinical effects that large volume pleural effusions have in these patients. However, effusion volume itself may have little influence on patient outcomes. Complications occur without close monitoring and drainage. In this study, we propose a randomized controlled trial to determine whether frequent follow-up and drainage of pleural effusions ≥320 ml can improve the need for rehospitalization and influence 6-minute walk tests in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. We hypothesize that these two interventions will decrease hospital readmission rates and improve 6-minute walk tests in patients within 30 days of hospital discharge. Insights from this study may ultimately help improve the management of coronary artery bypass graft patients.
Recommended Citation
Kohler, Jessica, "Early Thoracentesis and Follow-up in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients" (2020). Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program Theses. 21.
https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ysmpa_theses/21
This Article is Open Access