The sternal wire code; Solving the problem of missing coronary artery bypass graft records during cardiac catheterization

BACKGROUND: The sternal wire code records details of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) inside patients, based on the orientation of wires used for sternal closure. Visible on X-ray, the code overcomes the problem of missing graft-notes needed before repeat angiography. We determined (i) the potential value (ii) acceptability and (iii) accuracy of the code in practice. METHODS: (i) Consecutive coronary angiogram reports (2015–2016 Barts, London) were reviewed to identify patients with previous CABG and those with and without graft-notes before angiography. (ii) UK surgeons were surveyed on whether they would insert the code during CABG. (iii) A clinician, blinded to operative details, interpreted 16 post-CABG X-rays, 8 with the code and 8 without. RESULTS: (i) Of 6483 angiography patients, 559 had previous CABG (9.2% (8.5–10%)). Graft-notes were missing in 91/559 (15.1% (12–18%)); almost all (88/91) among patients with acute myocardial infarction. (ii) In the survey, 66/71surgeons (93% (84–98%)) were willing to use the code. (iii) In the accuracy test, all coded X-rays were identified and 28/28 grafts correctly interpreted (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: About 1 in 6 patients with previous CABG, who require emergency coronary angiography, undergo this procedure without graft-notes and would benefit from the sternal wire code which appears clinically acceptable and accurate.