Definition of Variables
The binary endpoints: middle-term mortality, first confirmed occurrence
of all cause death and cardio-death in relation to LVEF were evaluated.
Major cardiovascular disease included heart failure, angina, myocardial
infarction, atrial fibrillation and revascularization. Postoperative
respiratory failure was defined as prolonged ventilation for more than
72h resulting from respiratory causes, newly developed pulmonary edema,
adult respiratory distress syndrome, re-intubation due to respiratory
causes and tracheostomy.