Management of myocardial revascularisation failure: an expert consensus document of the EAPCI.

Abstract

Myocardial revascularisation represents the most frequently performed therapeutic intervention worldwide. Current percutaneous and surgical revascularisation techniques provide excellent short- and long-term clinical outcomes. However, despite the technological and procedural advances with the widespread use of drug-eluting stents and arterial bypass grafts in contemporary practice, a considerable proportion of patients require repeat revascularisation procedures during long-term follow-up. The need for repeat revascularisation has a major impact on patients' quality of life and is associated with a significant economic burden. This consensus document summarises the views on the management of myocardial revascularisation failure of an expert panel of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI). The present document provides a broad and pragmatic overview of the clinical management of myocardial revascularisation failure with a focus on the three key underlying mechanisms leading to repeat revascularisation: 1) failure of percutaneous coronary interventions, 2) failure of coronary artery bypass grafting, and 3) progression of coronary artery disease in native coronary segments previously untreated. The aim of the present position document is to provide a patient-oriented approach for the management of myocardial revascularisation failure.