Abstract
Objective: To assess the cardiology of continuous ECG of Spinal Surgeons performing complex spinal deformity surgery.
Design: Spinal surgeons were attached to 24 hour tape ECG monitors while performing spinal deformity surgery. Pre op, intra-op and immediate post op assessment were performed.
Subjects: 4 Consultants 1 Spinal Fellow
Outcome measures: ECG changes, Heart Rate variance and Heart Rate
Results: Variability in Heart rate was related to the experience of the surgeon and the case performed.
Heart rate variance was highest in the Consultant with the most recent appointment. Heart rate variance in the Trainee was the lowest. The highest heart rate was achieved when scrubbed supervising the surgical trainee. The surgeons with the highest deformity work load had the lowest intra-operative heart rate
Conclusions: Spinal deformity surgery is stressful to the Consultant performing the case. Experience and case mix affect these findings. The highest stress rate occurs with supervising trainees.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Peter Millner. Correspondence should be addressed to Peter Millner, Consultant Spinal Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgery, Chancellor Wing, Ward 28 Office Suite, St James’ University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF.
