Indications for coronary artery bypass grafting in 2009: what is left to surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains the most common procedure performed by cardiac surgeons, yet it is clear that the landscape of coronary intervention is constantly changing as new technology is introduced and data from countless studies continues to be published. However, no single study will be able to clearly define the indications for surgical versus percutaneous revascularization in every clinical scenario given the complexity of this disease as well as that of the patients it afflicts. Moreover, the significant improvements in percutaneous therapy, medical therapy management, perioperative care and secondary prevention after revascularization have decreased the morbidity and mortality of coronary artery disease making comparison between therapies far more difficult. Based on the available literature to date, surgical revascularization (CABG) provides significant benefit in certain patient populations; particularly those with comorbid conditions (for example diabetes, left ventricular [LV] dysfunction) and with more severe disease (for example left main, three-vessel). The goal of this article is to outline the current for surgical revascularization (CABG) understanding that coronary artery disease will continue be an important cause of morbidity and mortality and further study and re-evaluation of these recommendations will likely be necessary as time goes on.