CTSNet CARDIAC PORTAL: Survey for Cardiac Surgeons
 
Studies have shown that nasal decolonization of S. aureus in patients undergoing surgery can diminish post operative surgical site infections. The purpose of this survey is to determine our attitude towards this issue, specifically whether we as heart surgeons routinely provide prophylaxis against this potential source of infection or think that we should be doing so.

1. Do you feel that nasal colonization with Staph poses a post op infection risk?

2. Do you feel that nasal colonization with Staph MRSA poses a post op infection risk?

3. Do you routinely screen with nasal swab cultures preoperatively?

4. Do you routinely decolonize the nares with mupirocin or another nasally administered antibiotic preop?

5. Do you think most cardiac surgeons routinely decolonize the nares preop with mupirocin or another intranasal antibiotic preop?

6. Where do you currently practice?

7. How many open-heart cases each year at your hospital?

8. How many beds in your hospital?

9. Number of years in practice after completing training?

Thank you for your participation and help. We will make the results available as soon as the responses are collated and analyzed.