Methods: A total of 170 patients (114 men, 56 women; mean age 55±13 years) underwent open heart surgery at our center between May 2002 and December 2005 for the following etiologies: coronary artery disease (n=150), mitral valve disease (n=5), aortic valve disease (n=3), aortic dissection (n=3), and atrial septal defect (n=9). The left internal mammary artery was used for in situ grafting in 136 patients (90.7%).

Results: In-hospital mortality occurred in four patients (2.4%). Postoperative complications included wound infections in six patients (3.5%), low cardiac output in nine patients (5.3%), myocardial infarction following coronary artery bypass grafting in two patients (1.2%), and atrial fibrillation in 28 patients (16.5%). Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation was performed in nine patients. Reoperation was required in 17 patients (10%) for hemorrhage (n=16) and sternal dehiscence (n=1). The mean intensive care unit stay was 2.1±0.7 days, and the mean hospital stay was 6.5±2.1 days.

Conclusion: Zonguldak Karaelmas University Practice and Research Hospital is a recently established center in the Northwestern Black Sea region. Open heart surgery was launched shortly after its establishment and has been performed successfully since then.