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What is the optimal dose of aspirin after discharge following coronary bypass surgery

^a Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
^b Wythenshawe Hospital, South Moor Road, Manchester, UK

^* Corresponding author. Tel.: +44-7801548122
joeldunning{at}doctors.org.uk

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was, what is the optimal dose of aspirin post cardiac surgery that should be given to prevent graft occlusion and prolong survival. Altogether, 114 papers were found from Medline and 59 papers were found from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using the reported search, of which seven presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results, and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that best evidence suggests that 325 mg optimally improves vein graft survival and mortality, and does not cause an increase in complications compared to lower doses.

Key Words: Evidence-based medicine; Thoracic surgery; Aspirin