Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026

Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Published on: May 28, 2019
[Myocardial revascularization]
H Möllmann1, S Szardien, J Kempfert
1Abteilung für Kardiologie, Kerckhoff-Klinik Bad Nauheim, Benekestr. 2-8, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Deutschland. h.moellmann@kerckhoff-klinik.de
Insights
Coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment has evolved with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and improved stent coatings reducing restenosis. Both PCI and surgical revascularization are now equally valuable for managing CAD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Interventional Cardiology
Context:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and illness globally.
- Treatment options historically included surgical revascularization or medication.
- Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) have emerged as a key treatment modality.
Purpose:
- To review the current treatment landscape for coronary artery disease.
- To highlight advancements in stent technology and their impact on in-stent restenosis.
- To discuss the factors influencing the choice between PCI and surgical revascularization.
Summary:
- In-stent restenosis, a complication of stenting, has been significantly reduced by new stent materials and coatings.
- Both PCI and surgical revascularization are now considered equally valuable for treating CAD.
- Treatment decisions depend on patient-specific factors like vessel disease extent, stenosis complexity, and overall health.
Impact:
- Optimized patient care through personalized treatment strategies for coronary artery disease.
- Improved outcomes in CAD management by reducing in-stent restenosis rates.
- Facilitation of evidence-based decision-making in complex cardiovascular cases via interdisciplinary collaboration.
Abstract:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries and is of significant socio-economic importance due to its increasing prevalence. Until percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) were established, CAD could only be treated by surgical revascularization or pharmacological therapy. In-stent restenosis remains a major problem after stent implantation. However, the use of new materials and stent coatings have led to a significant reduction in in-stent restenosis. Thus, surgical revascularization and PCI are currently of equal value for the treatment of CAD. The decision-making for PCI or surgical revascularization depends on various factors such as number of diseased vessels, complexity of the coronary stenoses, concomitant diseases, and the patient's general condition. The therapeutic regime of every patient should be adjusted to the recommendations of the European and German Society for Cardiology, while controversial and complex cases should be discussed in an interdisciplinary case conference ("heart team").
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
