Gender-Related Outcomes in Saphenous Vein Graft Interventions

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Cardiology
• Health Outcomes Research

Background:

• Saphenous vein graft percutaneous coronary intervention (SVG-PCI) is a common procedure for patients post-coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
• Despite internal mammary artery grafts being optimal, saphenous vein grafts remain widely used.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential gender differences in the incidence and outcomes of SVG-PCI.
• To analyze short-term and long-term MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events) and mortality rates between male and female patients undergoing SVG-PCI.

Main Methods:

• A prospectively collected registry of 1199 patients (169 female) who underwent SVG-PCI between 2004 and 2023 was analyzed.
• Primary outcomes included MACE (death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization, stroke) and mortality at 1 and 3 years.
• Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for mortality.

Main Results:

• Female patients were older and had higher rates of comorbidities like diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and congestive heart failure.
• Female patients showed lower trans-radial access use and underwent SVG-PCI earlier post-CABG.
• No significant differences in MACE rates were observed between genders. However, mortality was higher in females at 1 year but not at 3 years.

Conclusions:

• Gender-specific monitoring and early intervention strategies are necessary for women undergoing SVG-PCI.
• These tailored approaches may improve graft patency and enhance long-term outcomes in this patient population.