Prevalence and procedural outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with diabetes and multivessel coronary artery disease

Abstract Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is used with increasing frequency in patients with diabetes and multivessel disease. This study investigated evolving revascularization strategies in the State of Washington. Methods: The Clinical Outcomes Assessment Program captures all revascularization in the State of Washington and was used to compare diabetic patients with multivessel disease undergoing first‐time revascularization from 1999 to 2007. Categorical variables were compared with the chi‐squared test and continuous variables were compared with the student's t‐test. Results were risk‐adjusted using a logistic regression. Results: A total of 11,602 patients with diabetes and multivessel disease underwent revascularization from 1999 to 2007 and were nearly equally divided between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (51%) and PCI (49%). Patients undergoing CABG had a higher (p < 0.0001) prevalence of congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, three‐vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), and intraaortic balloon pump insertion, but a lower prevalence of female gender, cardiogenic shock, and emergency procedures. Patients undergoing CABG had more (p < 0.0001) three‐vessel CAD and more complete revascularization (3.7 vs. 1.5 lesions treated). Short‐term risk‐adjusted mortality was equivalent. The prevalence of PCI increased from 34.1% in 1999 to 59.4% in 2007. Conclusions: PCI is applied with increasing frequency to patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and multivessel disease. PCI is used most commonly in two‐vessel CAD or with acute coronary syndromes with more limited and targeted revascularization. CABG is more commonly applied to extensive disease with more complete revascularization. Both the prevalence and percentage of patients undergoing PCI as primary therapy for multivessel disease with DM is increasing. A multidisciplinary approach may be warranted to ensure optimal outcomes. (J Card Surg 2011;26:1‐8)     

Quality of life during 18 months after coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the change in health related quality of life (HRQoL) among elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients. METHODS: A total of 302 CABG patients were included in the study. Complete pre-, peri- and postoperative data were collected comprehensively in a database. HRQoL was measured by the 15D instrument. The 15D is a non-disease-specific, 15-dimensional, standardized and self-administered measure of HRQoL that can be used both as a profile and single index score measure. Baseline assessment was carried out before coronary angiography and assessment was repeated 6 and 18 months after surgery. Data were analysed by gender and in three age groups, i.e. patients <65 years, 65-74 years and > or = 75 years. RESULTS: Thirty day mortality was 1.0%, and the survival rate at 6 and 18 months was 99.0% and 96.7%, respectively. Preoperative HRQoL of CABG patients was lower in comparison to age- and gender-standardized Finnish population (P<0.001). HRQoL of the patients improved significantly after CABG and the positive change lasted over the whole observation period, despite a slight decrease of 15D scores until 18 months. Although male patients had a higher preoperative HRQoL than women (P=0.005), both genders benefited similarly from the operation. In the patients > or = 75 years, the initial improvement of HRQoL returned to the preoperative level 18 months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: CABG patients experience a significant improvement in their HRQoL within 6 months after the operation and the effect remains through a mid-term observation time. However, expectations of improved HRQoL may have a limited value in decision making for surgery of coronary artery disease (CAD) for patients more than 75 years old.     

Postoperative delirium and health related quality of life after coronary artery bypass grafting

Objectives. We wanted to identify determinants for postoperative delirium and its influence on health related quality of life (HRQoL) during 36-month follow-up of coronary artery bypass (CABG) patients. Design. A total of 302 patients were retrospectively analyzed. HRQoL was assessed prospectively by the15D instrument. Delirium was diagnosed clinically. Results. The incidence of delirium was 6.0%. The cumulative survival (all-cause death) in 36 months was 96.1% in patients without delirium and 77.8% in patients with delirium. Age, cerebral disease, chronic heart failure, male gender, postoperative pneumonia and low output syndrome were predictors for delirium. Delirium patients needed more resources i.e. intensive care or total duration of hospitalization and experienced no positive change in HRQoL. Moreover patients with high preoperative 15D score tended to suffer fairly severe but reversible impairment during the first 6 months after the operation. Conclusions. Preoperatively older and sicker patients with complicated postoperative course are at higher risk of developing delirium after CABG. Preoperative status and operative complications together with delirium may exert negative influence on forthcoming HRQoL, which is seen especially in patients with a relatively high preoperative level of HRQoL.     

Factors affecting post minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting incidence of myocardial infarction, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, coronary artery bypass grafting and mortality of cardiac origin

In the present study we identify parameters which influence the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI), need for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and cardiac mortality after minimal invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCABG). With a mean follow-up of 30+/-11.2 months, 390 patients were assessed with Wald test-corrected chi(2) analysis to identify preoperative factors which correlate with a higher incidence of post-MIDCABG MI, PCI, CABG and mortality from cardiac causes. We found an increased incidence of postoperative MI in patients with 2-vessel (8.7%) and 3-vessel (7.7%) vs. 1.3% 1-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) (P=0.023), and in patients with preceding cardiac procedure (CABG and PCI: 8.4% vs. 2.0% without, P=0.023). Also diabetes was associated with higher post-MIDCABG frequency of MI (P=0.035). Severity of angina was associated with lesser post-MIDCAB-PCI (P=0.011) while preceding CABG predicted a higher incidence (P=0.012). Preoperative low ejection fraction (EF) (multivariate, P<0.001), preoperative MI (P=0.007) and extent of CAD (P=0.001) were associated with a higher post-MIDCABG mortality. None of the parameters correlated with subsequent CABG MIDCABG. The extent and history of CAD, history of cardiac interventions and low EF seem to influence the outcome adversely and should be considered deciding pro or against the MIDCAB-option.     

A comparison of the recovery of health status after percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass

BACKGROUND: Selection of the optimum mode of coronary revascularization should not only be directed by technical outcomes, but should also consider patients' postprocedural health status, including symptoms, functionality, and quality of life. METHODS: Health status was analyzed and compared after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ). The SAQ was administered to 475 patients (252 PCI and 223 CABG) preprocedure and then monthly for 6 months and again at 1 year. Differences in baseline characteristics were controlled by multivariable risk adjustment, and outcomes over time were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: In-hospital, 6-and 12-month clinical outcomes were not different; however, 25% of PCI patients required at least one reintervention during the study period, compared with only 1% of CABG patients (p < 0.001). Although physical function decreased for CABG patients at 1 month (p < 0.001), it improved and was better than the PCI group by 12 months (p = 0.008). Relief of angina was greater for CABG than PCI when analyzed over time (p < 0.001), principally due to the adverse effects of restenosis in the PCI group. Multivariable analysis confirmed that CABG independently conferred greater angina relief compared with PCI (p < 0.001). At 12 months postprocedure, quality of life had improved to a greater extent for CABG than PCI (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Over 12 months of follow-up, health status was improved to a greater extent for CABG patients than for PCI patients, primarily due to the adverse influence of restenosis after PCI.     

Optimal treatment for coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes: percutaneous coronary intervention,coronary artery bypass graft,and medications

There are three strategies for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD): medical therapy, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). With the development of drug-eluting stents, PCI is now widely used as the firstline treatment around the world. The advantage of CABG over PCI, however, remains in patients with left main coronary artery disease, three-vessel disease, and diffuse CAD. PCI and CABG do not exist in isolation because relieving the symptoms of angina is not the goal of treatment of CAD. Secondary prevention with vigorous modification of risk factors should be initiated and maintained. Among coronary risk factors, diabetes mellitus (DM) remains the most important one to predict poor early and late outcomes even in patients undergoing complete revascularization with CABG. Lowering the blood glucose level is important, but strict glycemic control is not necessarily associated with further reduction of cardiovascular events. Modification of insulin resistance with pioglitazone and metformin, lipid-lowering therapy with a statin, lowering blood pressure to <130/80 mmHg, and antiplatelet therapy should be considered in individuals with DM. A major concern is suboptimal modifications of risk factors in patients with DM and CABG in the real world. We should bear in mind this treatment gap and provide medical therapy for patients who need it most.     

Results of coronary artery bypass grafting alone and combined with surgical ventricular reconstruction for ischemic heart failure

In this study, we included 236 patients with ischemic heart failure and ejection fraction (EF) <35% who underwent surgical treatment. Patients were randomized in two groups. There were 116 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) and 120 patients who underwent CABG alone. The hospital mortality rate was 5.8% after isolated CABG and 3.5% after CABG combined with SVR. All survivors had follow-up investigation from four months to five years, with a mean follow-up time of 31±13 months. The mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class decreased from 2.9±0.5 to 2.2±0.7 one year after CABG and from 3.1±0.4 to 2.0±0.6 one year after CABG with SVR. We showed that left ventricular reconstruction significantly decreased EDV from 237±52 to 176±30 and correspondingly increased EF from 32±6 to 39±9. However, after isolated CABG EF did not increase significantly (32±7 preoperatively and 34±11 postoperatively). One- and three-year rates were 95% and 78% after SVR with CABG and 83% and 78% after CABG alone. Despite the more aggressive surgical strategy, left ventricular reconstruction did not increase operative mortality and early results were significantly effective compared with coronary artery bypass grafting alone.     

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the treatment of unprotected left main coronary artery disease: one-year outcomes with coronary artery bypass grafting versus percutaneous coronary artery intervention with drug-eluting stent

Abstract Background and aim: Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is the standard treatment for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. However, percutaneous coronary intervention using drug‐eluting stents (DES‐PCI) is now widely used and is associated with improved outcomes following coronary revascularization. The goal of this study was to assess early outcomes associated with CABG and DES‐PCI among patients with LMCA disease through a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods and Results: After searching of electronic databases, three randomized controlled trials with 2601 patients were identified. All‐cause death occurred in 3.3% with CABG and 3.6% with DES‐PCI (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]= 0.60 to 1.40; p = 0.76). The incidence of myocardial infarction was 2.6% with CABG and 3.8% with DES‐PCI (OR, 0.67; 95% CI = 0.43 to 1.05; p = 0.10). Target vessel revascularization occurred in 5.1% with CABG and 11.7% with DES‐PCI (OR, 0.40; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.55; p < 0.0001). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred in 10.7% with CABG and 15.7% with DES‐PCI (OR, 0.40; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.55; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: DES‐PCI is a safe alternative to CABG for the management of LMCA disease. However, CABG was superior to DES‐PCI in terms of MACCE and need for target vessel revascularization at one year. Thus, CABG remains the standard of care for the treatment of LMCA disease.     

Differences Among Clinical Trials and Registries on Surgical and Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

BackgroundA need exists for systematic evaluation of the differences in baseline characteristics and early outcomes between patients enrolled in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical practice for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsSystematic searches were conducted to identify RCTs comparing CABG vs PCI and CABG or PCI registries. Sixteen predefined baseline characteristics and 30-day mortality were extracted from the included studies. Pooled proportion and mean with 95% CI were calculated for binary and continuous outcomes, respectively, by using the random effects model.ResultsFourteen RCTs and 10 registries including more than 2 million patients were included. Registry patients who underwent CABG had a higher prevalence of hypertension, smoking, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and prior myocardial infarction, but a lower prevalence of single-vessel disease when compared with CABG-treated patients included in RCTs. Regarding PCI, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, left main coronary artery disease, triple-vessel coronary disease, and NYHA functional class <IV were significantly more prevalent among patients in RCTs, whereas age, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and smoking were more represented among PCI registry patients. Thirty-day mortality was higher in registries for both PCI-treated and CABG-treated patients.ConclusionsThere were significant differences in baseline characteristics and 30-day mortality between patients enrolled in RCTs comparing CABG vs PCI and CABG and PCI registries. However, results were mixed, and the discrepancy was less than seen in other fields.     

Chronic total coronary occlusion: treatment results

Objectives. To describe the clinical and procedural coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) treatment results in a Nordic PCI centre during the implementation of a CTO treatment program. Design. In a retrospective registry study, we assessed; (1) indication for the procedure, (2) Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina pectoris score (CCS)/New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart failure score, (3) lesion complexity and (4) adverse events during hospital stay and three months following the index procedure. Results. The study cohort included 503 patients (594 lesions). From 2010 to 2013 96% of procedures were performed with antegrade wire-escalation technique and 4% performed using retrograde techniques, from 2013–2016 the corresponding numbers were 83% and 17.0%. The procedural success rate was 69%, increasing from 64% before to 72% (p?=?.06) after routinely using the retrograde approach. No individual patient characteristic, lesion variable or score was strongly associated with procedural success or failure. There were 4% serious procedure related complications. In patients with PCI of a CTO lesion only, 87% were in CCS or NYHA functional class ≥2 before the index procedure vs. 22% at follow-up. Conclusions. Routine use of retrograde techniques tended to increase the procedural success rate. Clinical results after three months were acceptable, but the complication rate was higher than for non-CTO PCI. Individual patient and lesion characteristics had a low predictability for procedural success. Therefore, clinical symptoms, objective signs of myocardial ischemia and procedural risk should be focus points in coronary chronic total occlusion treatment strategies.     

Surgery for coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the commonest diseases in the western world, with over 100,000 deaths a year in the UK. It occurs as a result of mismatch between supply and demand of oxygen, usually due to atherosclerotic narrowing of one of more of the major coronary arteries. CAD can remain asymptomatic initially as the stenosis caused by the plaques may not be flow-limiting. As it progresses with time, patients present with angina, acute coronary syndromes or even sudden death. Treatment can be medical or surgical, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and/or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). CABG provides a safe and effective treatment for a large number of people with coronary artery disease for whom PCI and medications are unsatisfactory. With overall improvement in technique and perioperative care, patients undergoing these procedures have prognostic and symptomatic benefit.     

The coronary flow velocity reserve measured by stress transoesophageal echocardiography evaluates the success of coronary interventions – Results of a 5-year follow-up

Objectives. The aim of the present study was to examine the long-term prognostic value of coronary flow velocity reserve (CFR) evaluated by means of stress transoesophageal echocardiography (STEE) in patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Design. The study comprised 31 patients with significant LAD stenosis who underwent LAD-PCI. In consequence of their clinical signs, 11 subjects required rePCI or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) operation within six months. The clinical status of the remaining 20 cases improved during the follow-up. STEE examinations were performed before LAD-PCI and after it. Results. The CFR of patients in a stable clinical condition improved during the follow-up, while the CFR of those who required rePCI or CABG remained unchanged. From this patient population, two subjects died during the 5-year follow-up. Conclusions. Most of the patients who displayed an improved CFR after PCI suffered no major clinical events during the 5-year follow-up; in contrast, in those who a priori had a low CFR and did not show any improvement after PCI, major events did occur during this period.     

Hybrid myocardial revascularization

Background

In patients with advanced coronary artery disease (CAD), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with improved long-term outcomes while percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with lower periprocedural complications. A new approach has emerged in the last decade that attempts to reap the benefits of bypass surgery and stenting while minimizing the shortcomings of each approach, hybrid myocardial revascularization (HMR).Three strategies for timing of the hybrid revascularization exists, each with their own inherent advantages and shortcomings: (1) CABG followed by PCI, (2) PCI followed by CABG, or (3) simultaneous CABG + PCI in a hybrid suite.

Studies

The results of the first randomized control trial comparing HMR (CABG first) and standard CABG, POL-MIDES (Prospective Randomized PilOt Study EvaLuating the Safety and Efficacy of Hybrid Revascularization in MultIvessel Coronary Artery DisEaSe), show HMR was feasible for 93.9% of patients whereas conversion to standard CABG was required for 6.1%. At 1 year, both groups had similar all-cause mortality (CABG 2.9% vs. HMR 2%) and major adverse clinical event (MACE)-free survival rates (CABG 92.2% vs. HMR 89.8%). Results of observational and comparative studies show that minimally invasive HMR procedures in patients with multivessel CAD carry minimal perioperative mortality risk and low morbidity and do not increase the risk of postoperative bleeding. The advantage they offer in comparison to classical surgical revascularization is indeed faster rehabilitation and patient’s return to normal life.

Conclusion

Hybrid myocardial revascularization has been developed as a promising technique for the treatment of high-risk patients with CAD. Hybrid revascularization using minimally invasive surgical techniques combined with PCI offers to a part of patients an advantage of optimal revascularization of the most important artery of the heart, together with adequate myocardial revascularization in a relatively delicate way. Indeed, to patients with high operative risk of standard surgery, it offers an alternative which should be considered carefully.

     

Up to one third of individual cardiac patients have a decline in quality of life post-intervention

Objective. To investigate clinically relevant intra-individual and mean changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) need to acknowledge that SF-36 is trademarked ie: SF-36® following cardiac intervention for Australian and Danish patients. Design. Prospective observational study in tertiary cardiac centres in Townsville, Queensland, Australia and Copenhagen, Denmark. Two hundred coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) patients of two Townsville hospitals, and 47 CABG or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients of a Copenhagen hospital. The main outcome measures are eight SF-36 health subscales at baseline and six months post-intervention. Results. Australian and Danish patients experienced similar HRQoL pre-intervention. By six months post-intervention, patients experienced a significant mean improvement in all subscales of the SF-36 survey (p?≤?0.05), although up to 27% of patients had a clinically significant decline in HRQoL from baseline. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that it is necessary to investigate intra-individual changes in HRQoL as well as group mean changes as they produce different conclusions. In addition, establishing clinically significant intra-individual change standards may assist researchers and clinicians in determining whether an individual may benefit from therapy or intervention.     

Hybrid coronary revascularization – techniques and outcome

BACKGROUND: Hybrid coronary revascularization combines minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and catheter-based coronary intervention for the treatment of multivessel coronary artery disease. This concept represents an alternative to open multivessel bypass surgery through sternotomy and to multivessel percutaneous intervention (PCI). The former is highly invasive but very effective in the long term; the latter is less invasive but results in more repeat revascularization procedures. METHODS: The surgical part of hybrid coronary intervention can be performed through thoracic mini-incisions and in completely endoscopic fashion. Robotic technology such as the daVinci ^? surgical telemanipulation system is increasingly used. Percutaneous interventions in hybrid procedures include implantation of bare metal stents and drug eluting stents. RESULTS: After 15 years of development, the literature reports mortality rates in the one percent range which may be lower than in open bypass surgery. Several studies demonstrate significantly earlier recovery and return to normal activities after hybrid intervention than after heart bypass surgery through sternotomy. Long-term follow-up studies show similar survival compared to survival after multivessel CABG and multivessel PCI. The rate of reinterventions and major adverse events, however, may be lower than after multivessel PCI, and closer to rates after open CABG. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid revascularization represents a promising concept for treatment of coronary multivessel disease.     

Early and long-term outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting and percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with left main disease: single-center results of multidisciplinary decision making

Objective

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is considered the standard treatment for patients with left main disease (LMD). However, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has recently emerged as a treatment option for selected patients. We assessed early and long-term outcomes of patients with LMD who underwent either CABG or PCI in our institution.

Methods

We reviewed the records of 438 patients with LMD who underwent revascularization between January 2005 and December 2010. Treatment modality, chosen by our heart team, was CABG in 409 patients and PCI in 29. Age, prevalence of women, and mean ejection fraction of patients were not significantly different between groups. Mean logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation score was 7.7. Mean follow-up was 37.1 months.

Results

In CABG group, mean number of anastomoses was 4.0 and complete revascularization was achieved in 97.1 %. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries were used in 87.0 %. In PCI group, mean number of stents was 1.3 and complete revascularization was achieved in 44.8 %. Drug-eluting stent was used in 72.4 %. In-hospital mortality was 1.1 % (1.0 %, CABG group vs. 3.4 %, PCI group; p = 0.29). At 3 years, overall survival was 94.3 % (95.3 vs. 81.1 %; p < 0.01) and rate of freedom from major adverse cardiac events and cerebrovascular accidents was 88.9 % (89.8 vs. 77.3 %; p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Our heart team’s approach resulted in favorable overall results in patients with LMD. Multidisciplinary decision making in these high-risk patients can make good long-term outcomes in CABG.     

超声二维应变评价冠状动脉介入治疗后左心室心肌收缩功能

目的应用超声二维应变（2DS）技术观察单支和多支冠状动脉病变心绞痛患者经皮冠状动脉介入治疗（PCI）后左心室局部心肌径向收缩功能改变有无差异。方法将63例心绞痛患者根据冠状动脉造影结果分为单支病变组（n=33）和多支病变组（n=30）,另选志愿者30名作为正常对照组,分别记录PCI术前、术后3个月及正常对照组左心室基底水平、乳头肌水平及心尖部水平18个室壁节段的二维灰阶图像。应用GE Echo PAC软件测量左心室短轴各室壁节段收缩期峰值径向应变。结果与正常对照组比较,单支病变组和多支病变组PCI术前大部分心肌节段和术后3个月部分心肌节段的左心室收缩期短轴峰值径向应变减低（P〈0.05）;单支病变组PCI术后3个月73.51%（136/185）心肌缺血节段恢复到正常水平,与多支病变组54.11%（158/292）差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论不同冠状动脉病变心绞痛患者PCI术后左心室径向收缩功能改善情况有所不同。     

Myocardial revascularization in patients with end-stage renal disease: Comparison of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting

Background: Ischemic heart disease is the major cause of death inpatients with end-stage renal disease. The high prevalence of coronary artery disease results in a rising number of dialysis patients requiring myocardial revascularisation. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of recurrent angina, myocardial infarction, rate of reinterventions and cardiovascular death following percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) inpatients with end-stage renal disease. Patients and methods: In a retrospective investigation 40 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing primarily PTCA and 65 patients undergoing CABG were included. Both groups were comparable for gender, duration on dialysis and the number of cardiovascular risk factors per patient. Patients undergoing PTCA were younger (53 ± 12 years vs. 57 ± 8 years; p < 0.05) and more often diabetics (30% vs. 14%; p < 0.05). Results: Most patients in both groups had a multi-vessel disease (95% in the CABG group vs. 74% in the PTCA group), in the CABG group there were significantly more patients with a triple-vessel disease (62% with vs. 40%in the PTCA group; p < 0.01), PTCA was primarily successful in 95% of the patients while complete revascularization was achieved in 88% of patients undergoing CABG. The perioperative mortality after CABG was 4.8% as compared to none after interventional revascularisation. The cumulative freedom of angina after 6, 12 and 24 months after intervention was significantly lower after PTCA (54%, 40%, 29%) than after bypass grafting (97%, 94%, 90%, p < 0.001). The frequency of reinterventions following PTCA was significantly higher compared to patients following CABG (p < 0.001). After PTCA 15 patients needed further revascularisations, 8 of them underwent CABG, whereas after CABG only two patients required additional myocardial revascularisation. There was no significant difference in the overall mortality between both groups; the survival rate after 12 and 24 months was 95% and 82% after PTCA and 93% and 86% after CABG, respectively. Condition: Although patients receiving CABG had a more severe coronary artery disease the overall mortality was comparable and clinical and functional outcome was improved compared to patients after coronary angioplasty. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Survival in patients with peripheral vascular disease after percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Background

Patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) undergoing coronary revascularization have high rates of adverse outcomes. Whether there are important differences in outcomes for surgical versus percutaneous coronary revascularization is unknown. The objective of this study was to compare survival in patients with PVD who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery for multivessel coronary artery disease.

Methods

In-hospital data were collected on 1,305 consecutive patients undergoing coronary revascularization (PCI, n = 341; CABG, n = 964) in northern New England from 1994 to 1996. Patient records were linked to the National Death Index to assess survival out to 3 years (mean 1.2 years). Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to calculate risk-adjusted odds ratios and hazard ratios.

Results

Compared with CABG patients, those undergoing PCI were more often women, had more renal failure, more prior coronary revascularizations, were more likely to have two-vessel coronary artery disease and were more likely to undergo the procedure emergently. They were less likely to have a history of heart failure. After adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics, patients undergoing CABG had better intermediate survival than did PCI patients (hazard ratio 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.46 to 1.00; p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and PVD undergoing CABG surgery have better intermediate survival out to 3 years than similar patients undergoing PCI. This information may be useful in counseling patients with PVD requiring coronary revascularization.     

Magnesium sulphate and amiodarone prophylaxis for prevention of postoperative arrhythmia in coronary by-pass operations

Background

Despite the existence of controversial debates on the efficiency of coronary endarterectomy (CE), it is still used as an adjunct to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This is particularly true in patients with endstage coronary artery disease. Given the improvements in cardiac surgery and postoperative care, as well as the rising number of elderly patient with numerous co-morbidities, re-evaluating the pros and cons of this technique is needed.

Methods

Patient demographic information, operative details and outcome data of 104 patients with diffuse calcified coronary artery disease were retrospectively analyzed with respect to functional capacity (NYHA), angina pectoris (CCS) and mortality. Actuarial survival was reported using a Kaplan-Meyer analysis.

Results

Between August 2001 and March 2005, 104 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with adjunctive coronary endarterectomy (CE) in the Department of Thoracic-, Cardiac- and Vascular Surgery, University of Goettingen. Four patients were lost during follow-up. Data were gained from 88 male and 12 female patients; mean age was 65.5 ± 9 years. A total of 396 vessels were bypassed (4 ± 0.9 vessels per patient). In 98% left internal thoracic artery (LITA) was used as arterial bypass graft and a total of 114 vessels were endarterectomized. CE was performed on right coronary artery (RCA) (n = 55), on left anterior descending artery (LAD) (n = 52) and circumflex artery (RCX) (n = 7). Ninety-five patients suffered from 3-vessel-disease, 3 from 2-vessel- and 2 from 1-vessel-disease. Closed technique was used in 18%, open technique in 79% and in 3% a combination of both. The most frequent endarterectomized localization was right coronary artery (RCA = 55%). Despite the severity of endstage atherosclerosis, hospital mortality was only 5% (n = 5). During follow-up (24.5 ± 13.4 months), which is 96% complete (4 patients were lost caused by unknown address) 8 patients died (cardiac failure: 3; stroke: 1; cancer: 1; unknown reasons: 3). NYHA-classification significantly improved after CABG with CE from 2.2 ± 0.9 preoperative to 1.7 ± 0.9 postoperative. CCS also changed from 2.4 ± 1.0 to 1.5 ± 0.8

Conclusion

Early results of coronary endarterectomy are acceptable with respect to mortality, NYHA & CCS. This technique offers a valuable surgical option for patients with endstage coronary artery disease in whom complete revascularization otherwise can not be obtained. Careful patient selection will be necessary to assure the long-term benefit of this procedure.