PCI versus CABG in coronary artery disease

The evidence basis for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in coronary artery disease (CAD) has become more firmly established over the last decade in view of new evidence from several large, randomized trials and propensity-matched registries. In comparison to PCI, CABG offers substantial survival benefits and significant reductions in myocardial infarction and need for repeat revascularization in multivessel disease in patients with intermediate and high severity disease, whereas for left main disease these benefits are largely observed in patients with the highest-severity disease. In general, the benefits of CABG are further enhanced in patients with diabetes and/or impaired ventricular function. In stable or urgent clinical situations most decisions for intervention should be agreed by a multidisciplinary group ('Heart Team'), incorporating the severity of CAD and the patient's overall clinical suitability and personal wishes for any proposed procedure.