CLINICAL FEATURES AND PREDICTIVE FACTORS OF POSTOPERATIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE FOLLOWING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING VERSUS PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Abstract

Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of death, responsible for over 20 million fatalities annually, with coronary artery disease (CAD) representing the majority of these cases. Myocardial revascularization techniques—both surgical (coronary artery bypass grafting, CABG) and interventional (percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI with stent placement)—significantly enhance survival rates and quality of life. Nevertheless, postoperative cognitive impairment (POCI) has become a frequent and clinically significant complication. This study sought to assess the incidence, severity, and associated risk factors of cognitive decline in patients undergoing CABG or PCI. Neuropsychological, clinical, and laboratory evaluations were administered. Cognitive impairment was detected in 38.3% of the entire patient cohort, with a higher prevalence observed in the CABG group. Significant independent predictors included advanced age, diabetes mellitus, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, and perioperative hypotension. Early recognition of cognitive deterioration may contribute to better long-term neurological and cardiovascular outcomes.