Overview
- An analysis of four linked national datasets covering more than 24,000 patients found an 18% higher risk of cardiovascular death for 10:00–11:59 starts compared with 07:00–09:59 operations.
- The study adjusted for major predictors including age, sex, diabetes, surgical urgency and case complexity.
- Complication rates, hospital readmissions and postoperative length of stay did not differ by start time.
- Early morning was the most common start window, accounting for 47% of heart surgeries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Published in Anaesthesia and led by The University of Manchester’s Dr. Gareth Kitchen with NIHR Manchester BRC support, the research highlights circadian timing as a potential factor to evaluate for personalized scheduling.