Single versus multiple arterial grafting in diabetic patients at 10 years: the Arterial Revascularization Trial

David P Taggart1, Katia Audisio2, Stephen Gerry3

  • 1Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.

Insights

Multiple arterial grafting (MAG) significantly reduced 10-year mortality in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting compared to single arterial grafting (SAG). However, MAG was linked to a higher risk of deep sternal wound infections, particularly in insulin-dependent individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Diabetology
  • Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a standard treatment for coronary artery disease.
  • The choice between multiple arterial grafting (MAG) and single arterial grafting (SAG) may influence long-term outcomes, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).
  • The Arterial Revascularization Trial (ART) provides valuable data for evaluating surgical strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the 10-year efficacy and safety of MAG versus SAG in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) undergoing CABG.
  • To analyze mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) based on grafting strategy and diabetes status.

Main Methods:

  • A post hoc analysis of the Arterial Revascularization Trial (ART) dataset.
  • Patients were stratified into non-diabetic and diabetic groups, and by grafting strategy (MAG vs. SAG).
  • Primary endpoint: all-cause mortality; Secondary endpoint: composite MACE at 10-year follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Multiple arterial grafting (MAG) was associated with significantly lower 10-year mortality in diabetic patients (21.5% vs. 29.9% with SAG; adjusted HR 0.65).
  • MAG also showed a trend towards lower mortality in non-diabetic patients and reduced MACE in both groups.
  • Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) were more frequent with MAG (7.9% vs. 4.8% in DM patients), especially in insulin-treated diabetic patients (9.6% vs. 6.3% with SAG).

Conclusions:

  • Multiple arterial grafting (MAG) offers a substantial survival benefit at 10 years for diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.
  • The increased risk of deep sternal wound infections with MAG in diabetic patients, particularly those on insulin, requires careful consideration.
Abstract