Letter from the Editor

What is "Outcomes Research?"Outcomes research is basically a systematic look at the results of treatment.Cardiac surgeons have systematically looked at the results of coronary artery pass graft surgery, comparing results by sex, weight, number of vessels involved, associated disease processes, the experience of the team doing the surgery and a host of additional factors.By so doing, they have developed the ability to predict the odds of various outcomes with considerable accuracy.They have developed a formula in which they can plug in these factors and come up with the odds of a successful outcome, various complications or death.This has enormously enhanced their ability to select candidates for surgery.