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Coronary revascularization in DACH: 1991-2002.
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, St. John's Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria. P.Ghosh@lks.at
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
|December 2, 2004
Summary
Coronary revascularization, including percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), increased significantly in Europe between 1991-2002, though it lags behind the US. The DACH region shows high coronary artery surgery (CAS) volume and a strong trend towards PCI.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Examined trends in coronary revascularization procedures in Europe from 1991 to 2002.
- Focused specifically on the DACH countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in the volume and patterns of coronary artery surgery (CAS) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).
- To compare revascularization activity in DACH countries with the rest of Europe.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed data from national surgical societies, registries, government sources, and international organizations.
- Collected collegial responses to supplement quantitative data.
Main Results:
- European cardiac surgery output increased by 108%, with CAS up by 108% and PCI showing a more significant rise.
- DACH countries contributed substantially to European CAS (34.6%) and PCI volumes.
- CAS volume per center increased in Europe and DACH, except in Switzerland.
- PCI volume grew substantially across Europe, with DACH leading in per million population figures.
Conclusions:
- Coronary revascularization productivity in Europe grew, primarily driven by PCI, but still trails the US.
- DACH countries maintain high CAS productivity, though growth has plateaued.
- A clear trend towards increased PCI utilization is evident in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.