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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012; 60(07): 462-467
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1322607
Original Cardiovascular
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Psychomotor Car-Driving Abilities after Robotically Assisted Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Martin Kopp
1   Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Angelika Knuenz
2   Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Franziska Oberascher
2   Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Nicole Pfaffenberger
3   Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Nicole Lucic
3   Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Gerhard Ruedl
1   Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Bernhard Holzner
3   Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Nikolaos Bonaros
2   Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
,
Bonatti Johannes
4   Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

19 November 2011

10 April 2012

Publication Date:
03 October 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Objective Postoperative cognitive decline is a common complication after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. As robotically assisted totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (TECAB) has shown several positive impacts on recovery and quality of life, the aim of this study was to assess psychomotor functioning relevant for car-driving abilities before and after this intervention.

Methods A total of 20 patients who underwent TECAB completed a neuropsychological test battery including conventional and computerized assessments [Trail Making Test (TMT A + B), Leeds Psychomotor Tester (LPT), Test System for Attentional Performance (TAP 2.1)] before surgery (T0) and 1 week (T1) and 3 months (T2) after surgery.

Results Data show no significant cognitive decline between T0, T1, and T2 following TECAB. Significant improvements were measured from T0 to T2 for psychomotoric function and visual attention (TMT A; p = 0.038) and for reaction time, which was significantly shorter after 3 months in comparison with T0 and T1; p = 0.001).

Conclusion Data of our preliminary study show no relevant cognitive decline caused from TECAB and therefore do not contradict the practice of early car driving after this procedure.

Keywords

coronary artery bypass crafting - minimally invasive cardiac surgery - cognitive functioning - driving ability
 

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