The adequacy of myocardial revascularization in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease

Abstract

In patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD) myocardial revascularization may be accomplished either on all diseased lesions--complete myocardial revascularization--or on selectively targeted coronary segments by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Complete revascularization has a potential long-term prognostic benefit, but is more complex and may increase in-hospital events when compared with incomplete revascularization. No conclusive agreement has been yet reached on the "optimal" extent of revascularization, and guidelines have only recently mentioned the adequacy of revascularization in the decision whether to submit a patient to CABG or PCI. In the absence of any trial specifically designed to assess the relative benefit of either strategy, the present review explores current concepts about the completeness of revascularization, the growing evidence on the relevance of lesion and myocardial functional evaluation, and analyzes currently available data in relation to different clinical settings, including acute coronary syndromes, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and impaired left ventricular function. Considerations on the adequacy of revascularization should guide the choice among PCI and CABG in patients with MVCAD during the decision-making process, taking into account the clinical presentation, the extent and relevance of ischemia and the presence of other comorbidities.