The impact of additional right ventricular branch grafting on electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of additional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to right ventricular (RV) branches on echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters, with a focus on RV function and electrical stability. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent CABG with significant right coronary artery (RCA) disease between January 2017 and December 2022. Patients were included and divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 34) received grafts only to the distal RCA branches (posterior descending artery or posterolateral branch); Group 2 (n = 34) underwent grafting to both the distal RCA and the RV branch. Preoperative and discharge periods, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters were compared between groups. Results: Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics, including echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters. At discharge, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (11.7 ± 2.7 mm vs. 15.1 ± 2.3 mm; p < 0.001). The ratio of diastolic dysfunction was higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (91.2% vs. 61.8%; p < 0.001). The mean QT dispersion (54.6 ± 15.4 ms vs. 63.7 ± 18.5 ms; p = 0.031) and mean P wave dispersion (22.5 ± 5.3 ms vs. 26.2 ± 8.8 ms; p = 0.048) levels were lower in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Conclusion: Additional bypass grafting of the RV branch in patients with significant RCA disease was associated with improved RV function and more favorable electrocardiographic parameters.