While you perform a health history questionnaire with a 50-year-old male driver, he informs you that he had a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery 6 months ago. What additional information do you need to determine his medical condition and what would be your final certification decision accordingly?
Explanation
Answer: B - A clearance by the treating cardiologist, a recent resting echocardiogram, LVEF > 40% post CABG, confirmed tolerance to medication, and asymptomatic status with no angina; thus certified annually for 5 years
According to FMCSA’s guidelines, a person who has undergone a CABG surgery may be certified annually for 5 years on condition that: 1) at least 3 months have passed since the surgery (to allow sternal incision healing), 2) the person demonstrates tolerance to medication, 3) the treating cardiologist provides approval, and 4) the person has LVEF of > 40%. The resting echocardiogram is recommended in this case to confirm no ischemic changes to ECG as it disqualifies the driver if found.
