| Hospital Specific Reports |
|
|
 |
| Hospital Comments |
|
OHSU Comments on AAA Repair:
Oregon Health & Science University is Oregon’s only academic medical center. OHSU is a respected regional resource because of the knowledge, expertise and leading-edge medical technology that is available at OHSU Hospital, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, and their numerous clinics and specialized centers. Doctors from throughout Oregon refer patients to OHSU when the necessary level of care or expertise is not available closer to home. Because OHSU is one of two designated Level 1 trauma centers in Oregon, OHSU accepts many patients who are critically ill or injured. OHSU only transfers patients who no longer require its unique services and can be transferred to a hospital that is closer to their homes and can continue their care. www.OHSUhealth.com/ReportCards
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the lower portion of the large
artery that carries blood to the legs. This condition usually occurs in older people. Many of
these patients have a history of high blood pressure. Because an aneurysm can rupture and
cause serious and often fatal internal bleeding, this is a very serious condition.
Surgeons can repair the aneurysm to prevent a rupture. Sometimes, however, the doctor will
not discover the aneurysm until after it has ruptured. If the aneurysm ruptures, the patient will
need emergency surgery.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is a major surgical procedure. The surgeon removes
the portion of the artery containing the aneurysm and replaces it with a synthetic tube. The
surgery is risky because blood flow to the lower body must stop while the doctor repairs the
aneurysm. There is also a chance of complications after surgery because these patients often
come to the hospital with extensive blood vessel damage in the legs and other parts of the
body.
OHSU expertise with abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Patients who come to OHSU requiring an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair are often
severely ill, have complex medical conditions and need emergency medical care. Patients
and referring doctors choose OHSU because of its emergency medical and surgical
expertise.
OHSU results
In 27% of the patients who received an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair at OHSU in 2004,
the aneurysm had ruptured before the patient arrived. The statewide rupture rate was 16%.
Of the patients who came to OHSU for an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair:
- 37% were admitted from the emergency department
- 14% were transferred from other hospitals
OHSU performed 30 operations in 2004. This number is nearly equal to the 32 operations the State recommends as demonstrating experience with this type of surgery.
OHSU results compared with other Oregon hospitals
The death rate for patients who received an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair at OHSU in 2004 was 21%, which is significantly higher than the State average. This is because OHSU accepts patients who are admitted through its emergency department, as well as those who have been transferred from other hospitals because of their high risk of death. For elective (non-emergent) surgeries, OHSU’s death rate was 10.5%. The death rate was 45% for patients who arrived at OHSU with ruptured aneurysms, including patients transferred to OHSU from other hospitals and patients admitted from the Emergency Department. This rate reflects the desperately ill condition of this group of patients upon arrival at OHSU. When compared to other academic medical centers that care for a similar group of patients, OHSU’s death rates are comparable.
OHSU’s experience with abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in 2005 has been excellent. Of the 13 surgeries performed at OHSU through May 2005, no patients have died.
All Comments
|
|
|
|
