Respiratory complications after successful coronary artery bypass grafting influence the immediate recovery of a patient; however, whether they influence the longevity of a patient is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of preoperative pulmonary risk factors in younger patients and older patients on outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting.
Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Madison 53792, USA. cccanver@facstaff.wisc.edu