Complete Coronary Revascularization Research Articles

PREDICTORS OF LONG–TERM OUTCOMES IN HYBRID CORONARY REVASCULARIZATION

Hybrid Coronary Revascularization (HCR) couples surgical bypass and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) techniques, allowing complete coronary revascularization with a minimally invasive approach. Short and long term outcomes appear similar to multi–vessel open coronary bypass surgery while

Clinical significance of provoked coronary spasm at chronic stage in patients who underwent successful complete coronary revascularization with first-generation drug-eluting stents

Background: Provoked spasm might have influence on cardiovascular events even after successful DES implantation. Methods and results: A consecutive 122 patients who underwent first-generation DES (CypherTM, and TaxusTM) implantation and had no residual stenosis at follow-up coronary angiography were included. All patients also underwent acetylcholine provocation test (ACh) at follow-up angiography. Age, sex, coronary risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia), medication (calcium channel blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, nitrates, β blockers, statins), duration from stent implantation to follow-up angiography (15.5 ± 14.5 months), old myocardial infarction, Ach + were included as variables for multivariate analysis for cardiovascular events (angina pectoris without intervention, target lesion revascularization, acute myocardial infarction, definite or probable stent thrombosis, cardiac death, and stroke). ACh provocation test was positive in 64.8%. The following events occurred during a mean follow-up period of 26.9 ± 9.5 months; angina pectoris without intervention in 12, very late stent thrombosis in 1, acute myocardial infarction in 1, sudden death in 1, and stroke in 4. By Adjusted Cox hazard model, age was the independent predictor of future cardiovascular events. ACh was unbalanced data for Cox hazard model, and by logistic regression model, ACh was the strongest predictor. Conclusions: Coronary endothelial dysfunction at chronic stage is the strongest predictor of further prognosis in patients with first-generation DES.

Mortality risk of triglyceride levels in patients with coronary artery disease

ObjectiveThe association between triglyceride level and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. In particular, the prognostic significance of triglyceride levels in established CAD is unclear. We aimed...

Sexual Activity and Cardiovascular Disease

Sexual activity is an important component of patient and partner quality of life for men and women with cardiovascular disease (CVD), including many elderly patients.1 Decreased sexual activity and function are common in patients with CVD and are often interrelated to anxiety and depression.2,3 The intent of this American Heart Association Scientific Statement is to synthesize and summarize data relevant to sexual activity and heart disease in order to provide recommendations and foster physician and other healthcare professional communication with patients about sexual activity. Recommendations in this document are based on published studies, the Princeton Consensus Panel,4,5 the 36th Bethesda Conference,6–10 European Society of Cardiology recommendations on physical activity and sports participation for patients with CVD,11–13 practice guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association14–16 and other organizations,17 and the multidisciplinary expertise of the writing group. The classification of recommendations in this document are based on established ACCF/AHA criteria (Table). View this table: Table. Applying Classification of Recommendation and Level of Evidence Numerous studies have examined the cardiovascular and neuroendocrine response to sexual arousal and intercourse, with most assessing male physiological responses during heterosexual vaginal intercourse.18–24 During foreplay, systolic and diastolic systemic arterial blood pressure and heart rate increase mildly, with more modest increases occurring transiently during sexual arousal. The greatest increases occur during the 10 to 15 seconds of orgasm, with a rapid return to baseline systemic blood pressure and heart rate thereafter. Men and women have similar neuroendocrine, blood pressure, and heart rate responses to sexual activity.24,25 Studies conducted primarily in young married men showed that sexual activity with a person's usual partner is comparable to mild to moderate physical activity in the range of 3 to …

TCT-2: Prognostic Impact of Complete Coronary Revascularization in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Total Occlusions

TCT-2: Prognostic Impact of Complete Coronary Revascularization in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Total Occlusions

Probucol therapy improves long-term (>10-year) survival after complete revascularization: A propensity analysis

Objective Probucol has anti-atherosclerotic properties and has been shown to reduce post-angioplasty coronary restenosis. However, the effect of probucol therapy on long-term (>10 years) outcome following coronary revascularization is less well established. Accordingly, we sought to determine if probucol therapy at the time of complete coronary revascularization reduces mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods We collected data from 1694 consecutive patients who underwent complete revascularization (PCI and/or bypass surgery). Mortality data were compared between patients administered probucol and those not administered probucol at the time of revascularization. A propensity score (PS) was calculated to evaluate the effects of variables related to decisions regarding probucol administration. The association of probucol use and mortality was assessed using 3 Cox regression models, namely, conventional adjustment, covariate adjustment using PS, and matching patients in the probucol and no-probucol groups using PS. Results In the pre-match patients, 231 patients were administered probucol (13.6%). During follow-up [10.2 (SD, 3.2) years], 352 patients died (including 113 patients who died of cardiac-related issues). Probucol use was associated with significant decrease in all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; P = 0.036 [conventional adjustment model] and HR, 0.57; P = 0.008 [PS adjusted model]). In post-match patients ( N = 450, 225 matched pair), the risk of all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the probucol group than in the no-probucol group (HR, 0.45; P = 0.002). Conclusion In CAD patients who had undergone complete revascularization, probucol therapy was associated with a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality.

Long-term outcomes of women with coronary artery disease following complete coronary revascularization

Although coronary artery disease (CAD) is less prevalent in women than in men, early mortality rate is higher in women with CAD than in men with CAD following coronary revascularization. In terms of the long-term outcomes after coronary revascularization, limited data are available. Especially, in the Japanese CAD population, no data about sex-related differences in long-term outcomes after coronary revascularization exist. The aim of this study was to compare long-term outcomes between men and women following complete revascularization in Japanese patients with CAD. We collected data from 1836 consecutive patients who underwent complete revascularization by percutaneous coronary interventions and/or bypass surgeries. All-cause and cardiac mortality and the incidence of stroke were compared between men and women. In addition to the univariate analysis, a multivariate Cox regression was carried out in order to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics. There were 274 female patients (14.9%). They were older, had greater total cholesterol levels, and were more likely to have multivessel disease than men. During follow-up [mean (SD), 11.4 (2.9) years], 412 patients died (including 131 patients who died of cardiac causes), and 130 had a stroke. In the multivariate analysis, female patients did not have a significant risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; p=0.993), cardiac mortality (HR, 1.41; p=0.256), or stroke (HR, 0.71; p=0.309). In the present study involving CAD patients who underwent complete revascularization, we showed that, although women were older and had more unfavorable risk profiles, they did not have a greater risk of long-term all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, or stroke incidence, compared to men.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on long-term follow-up of percutaneous coronary intervention based on clinical presentation of coronary artery disease

In the drug-eluting stent (DES) era, diabetes mellitus is still associated with poor clinical and angiographic outcome after PCI. Whether this phenomenon is exacerbated in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is unclear. We investigated the long-term interaction of diabetes mellitus and clinical presentation in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Consecutive patients undergoing PCI and DES implantation were retrospectively analyzed. The 3-year composite of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) or target vessel revascularization (TVR) was assessed. Four subgroups of patients were identified: diabetes mellitus and ACS (n = 302); diabetes mellitus and no-ACS (n = 191); no-diabetes mellitus and ACS (n = 573); no-diabetes mellitus and no-ACS (n = 396). Compared to non-diabetes mellitus, diabetes mellitus patients experienced higher 3-year rates of death, non-fatal MI or TVR (32.3 vs. 21.9%, P < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with the composite of death, non-fatal MI or TVR in the no-ACS group [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 1.307, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.090-1.566, P = 0.004] and, albeit to a lesser extent, in the ACS group (AHR 1.177, 95% CI 1.006-1.377, P = 0.041). No statistically significant interaction was observed between diabetes mellitus and clinical presentation (P for interaction = 0.802). No significant interaction between diabetes mellitus and clinical presentation was noted in this study. The high rates of cardiac events observed in diabetes mellitus patients despite recent advances in interventional techniques outline the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the management of diabetes mellitus patients, including optimization of glycemic control, aggressive medical therapy and more complete coronary revascularization.

Association of Low Glomerular Filtration Rate With the Incidence of Stroke in Patients Following Complete Coronary Revascularization

Low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is associated with a worse outcome after coronary revascularization. Recently, a new specific equation to calculate the estimated GFR (eGFR) in Japanese populations has been reported, and it might be more accurate than the previously used equations. However, the relationship between a low GFR defined using the new equation for the Japanese population and the incidence of stroke following complete coronary revascularization is not yet known. Consecutive patients who underwent complete coronary revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention and bypass surgery) between 1984 and 1992 were enrolled. Patients on dialysis were excluded. Enrolled patients were divided into 2 groups: the preserved GFR group and the low GFR group. Low GFR was defined as eGFR<60 ml·min⁻¹·1.73 m⁻². The incidence of fatal and non-fatal stroke was compared between the groups. Among the 1,809 patients that were enrolled, 321 were placed in the low GFR group. During follow up (mean, 11.4 [2.9] years), there were 127 (7.0%) stroke events. Multivariable analysis using a Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that the incidence of stroke was significantly higher in the low GFR group than in the preserved GFR group (hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.48; P = 0.008). Low GFR, defined as eGFR <60 ml·min⁻¹·1.73 m⁻², using a new specific equation for the Japanese population was associated with an increased risk of fatal and non-fatal stroke over a 10-year period after complete coronary revascularization.

Prognostic significance of glomerular filtration rate estimated by the Japanese equation among patients who underwent complete coronary revascularization

An equation that accurately estimates the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the Japanese population has been proposed; however, the prognostic significance of estimated GFR (eGFR) defined according to this equation has not been reported. In addition, the prognostic significance of eGFR during long-term follow-up after complete coronary revascularization remains unclear. We assessed the prognostic significance of eGFR values, estimated by the new Japanese equation, in a cohort of patients following complete coronary revascularization. We studied consecutive patients with complete revascularization from 1984 to 1992. Patients on dialysis were excluded. A novel Japanese equation was used to estimate the GFR: eGFR=194×(serum creatinine)(-1.094)×(age)(-0.287)(×0.739 if female). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to determine all-cause and cardiac mortality. We analyzed data of 1809 patients, of whom 571 (31.6%) had an eGFR of ≥90 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2), 917 (50.7%) had an eGFR of 60-89 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2), 298 (16.5%) had an eGFR of 30-59 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2) and 23 (1.3%) had an eGFR of <30 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2). During follow-up (11.4±2.9 years), there were 397 (22.0%) all-cause and 123 (6.8%) cardiac deaths overall. Patients with an eGFR of 30-59 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2), and <30 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2) revealed significantly greater risk of all-cause mortality than those with eGFR of ≥90 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2) (hazard ratio (HR) 1.91, P<0.001, HR 3.35, P<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, incidence of cardiac death was higher in patients with an eGFR of 30-59 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2) than those with an eGFR of ≥90 mlmin(-1) per 1.73 m(2) (HR 2.89, P<0.001). GFR as estimated using the new Japanese equation had a prognostic significance among patients with complete coronary revascularization.

Choice of initial medical therapy vs. prompt coronary revascularization in patients with type 2 diabetes and stable ischemic coronary disease with special emphasis on the BARI 2D trial results

To determine whether a strategy of prompt coronary revascularization as compared with an initial strategy of intensive optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) prevents major adverse cardiac outcomes. Randomized controlled clinical trials comparing a strategy of prompt coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or medical therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes are reviewed with special emphasis on the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation 2D trial. An initial strategy of PCI or CABG alleviates symptoms and improves quality of life more than an initial strategy of OMT. However, an initial strategy of PCI in patients with less extensive CAD does not significantly reduce death or myocardial infarction. Patients with more extensive CAD in whom a more complete coronary revascularization can be achieved with CABG have less subsequent myocardial infarction, a complication associated with increased mortality, than those treated with initial OMT. In many patients with type 2 diabetes and stable CAD in whom angina symptoms are controlled, OMT alone should be the first-line strategy. In patients with more extensive coronary disease, prompt CABG, in the absence of contraindications, OMT, and an insulin sensitization strategy are a preferred therapeutic strategy to reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction.

Management of Protamine Allergy With Bivalirudin During Coronary Artery Revascularization

A patient with impaired left ventricular function was scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting. The patient's history revealed a life-threatening allergy to fish proteins. Therefore, because of the threat of cross-reactivity to protamine, a standard anticoagulation protocol with heparin/protamine was disapproved. Instead, complete coronary artery revascularization was successfully performed off-pump using bivalirudin as the anticoagulant.

The Influence of Complete Coronary Revascularization on Long-term Outcomes in Patients with Multivessel Coronary Heart Disease Undergoing Successful Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The influence of complete revascularization (CR) compared with incomplete revascularization (ICR) on long-term outcomes was assessed in patients with multivessel coronary heart disease undergoing successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A retrospective analysis of the clinical data, lesion type and PCI data was carried out in 324 patients with multivessel coronary heart disease (CR group, 99 patients; ICR group, 225 patients). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were recorded at follow-up (mean +/- SD follow-up interval, 18 +/- 7.1 months). There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups at follow-up, although the CR group showed a non-significant tendency to a higher incidence of non-fatal myocardial infarction, cardiac death, repeated revascularization and MACE compared with the ICR group. In conclusion, the long-term prognosis for ICR was not inferior to that for CR in patients with multivessel coronary heart disease undergoing successful PCI.

Beating‐Heart Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With Miniaturized Cardiopulmonary Bypass Results in a More Complete Revascularization When Compared to Off‐Pump Grafting

The technique of miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (M-CPB) for beating-heart coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is relatively new and has potential advantages when compared to conventional cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). M-CPB consists of less tubing length and requires less priming volume. The system is phosphorylcholine coated and results in minimal pump-related inflammatory response and organ injury. Finally, this technique combines the advantages of the off-pump CABG (OPCAB) with the better exposure provided by CPB to facilitate complete revascularization. The hypothesis is that CABG with M-CPB has a better outcome in terms of complete coronary revascularization and perioperative results as that compared to off-pump CABG (OPCAB). In a retrospective study, 302 patients underwent beating-heart CABG, 117 (39%) of them with the use of M-CPB and 185 (61%) with OPCAB. After propensity score matching 62 patients in both groups were demographically similar. The most important intra- and early-postoperative parameters were analyzed. Endpoints were hospital mortality and complete revascularization. Hospital mortality was comparable between the groups. The revascularization was significantly more complete in M-CPB patients than in patients in the OPCAB group. Beating-heart CABG with M-CPB is a safe procedure and it provides an optimal operative exposure with significantly more complete coronary revascularization when compared to OPCAB. Beating-heart CABG with the support of a M-CPB is the operation of choice when total coronary revascularization is needed.

‘Let's twist again’: surgically induced renewal of left ventricular torsion in ischemic cardiomyopathy

To test the potential of the heart to be surgically restored at a near-normal global condition, granted that its physiological characteristics are respected (working volumes, chamber geometry, fiber orientation, opposite rotation of apex and base, global torsion and strain). From May 2007 to December 2008, 12 consecutive patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy were included in this study. All patients underwent modified surgical anterior ventricular restoration combined with complete coronary revascularization and, when indicated, mitral anuloplasty. The modified restoration aims to re-approach residual myocardium, redirecting fiber orientation displaced by infarct scar toward a more physiological gross disposition. Patients were studied preoperatively and postoperatively with a complete echocardiographical assessment, including speckle-tracking analysis. Standard parameters significantly improved after the operation (end diastolic volume, P < 0.001; end systolic volume, P < 0.001; ejection fraction, P = 0.004), and so did peak systolic apical rotation, peak systolic left ventricular torsion and two-chamber and four-chamber longitudinal strain (P = 0.004, 0.003, 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Pearson's correlation between apical rotation and longitudinal strain (two-chamber and four-chamber) was -0.877 (P < 0.001) and -0.720 (P = 0.008), respectively, and between torsion and longitudinal strain was -0.845 (P = 0.001) and -0.785 (P = 0.002), respectively. This study reveals an unexpected potential of the myocardium to be restored at a near-normal global condition, with regard to all of its physiological characteristics. The concept of fiber-based surgical treatment, supported by an imaging-guided preoperative study, could widen the potential of repairing a failing heart.

Long-Term Efficacy of Pravastatin Therapy in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Complete Coronary Revascularization

The long-term effect of statin therapy in diabetic patients after coronary revascularization is not well established. Accordingly, we sought to determine if whether statin therapy initiated at the time of complete revascularization including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and/or bypass surgery reduces total and cardiac mortality among diabetic patients. We collected data from 1,138 consecutive patients who underwent complete revascularization (PCI and/or bypass surgery). We then compared all-cause and cardiac mortality rates in 499 patients with diabetes mellitus of whom 149 (29.9%) were treated with statin at the time of revascularization. To adjust the variables that would have been related to the decision regarding statin administration, a propensity score was computed and multivariate Cox regression was carried out. During follow-up (8.8+/-2.6 years), 103 patients died (including 43 who died of cardiac causes). The Multivariate analysis showed statin therapy to be significantly associated with reduced cardiac mortality (HR 0.39, 0.16-0.95; p=0.039), but not with all-cause mortality. Statin therapy was associated with a significantly reduced risk of cardiac mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease after complete revascularization.

Evaluation of Revascularization Subtypes in Octogenarians Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Recent data suggest that octogenarians' long-term survival after complete coronary artery bypass graft revascularization is superior to incomplete revascularization. Discriminating between variable definitions of "complete" complicates interpretation of survival data. We aimed to clarify octogenarian long-term survival rates by stratifying revascularization subtypes. From 1986 to 2007, 580 patients 80 to 94 years of age underwent coronary artery bypass graft. Functional complete revascularization was defined as at least 1 graft to all diseased coronary vessels with >50% stenosis. Traditional complete revascularization was defined as 1 graft to each major arterial system with at least 50% stenosis. Incomplete revascularization was defined as leaving diseased, ungrafted regions. Revascularization was functional in 279 (48%), traditional in 181 (31%), and incomplete in 120 (21%). Long-term survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Of 537 operative survivors, there were 402 late deaths. Cumulative long-term survival totaled 2890 patient-years. Late survival (Kaplan-Meier) was similar between functional (mean, 6.8 years) and traditional (6.7 years) groups (P=0.51), but diminished with incomplete (4.2 years) revascularization (P=0.007). Survival by group at 5 years was: 59+/-3% functional, 57+/-4% traditional, and 45+/-5% incomplete. Survival at 8 years was: 40+/-3% functional, 37+/-4% traditional, and 26+/-5% incomplete. To minimize selection bias in patients with limited life expectancy, Kaplan-Meier analysis was repeated including only patients with survival >12 months. Survival was again impaired with incomplete revascularization (P=0.04), and there was no difference between functional and traditional complete revascularization (P=0.73). Bypassing all diseased arterial vessels after revascularization does not afford significant long-term survival advantage compared to a traditional approach. Incomplete revascularization, related to more extensive disease, is associated with an 18% decline in survival. These data suggest that it is important to avoid incomplete revascularization in octogenarians, but the supplementary endeavor required to perform functional complete revascularization does not improve survival.

Oral Nicorandil to Reduce Cardiac Death After Coronary Revascularization in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Trial

Survival after invasive coronary revascularization is worse in patients with chronic kidney disease than in patients without chronic kidney disease. We examined whether oral administration of nicorandil, a hybrid nitrate and adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener, could improve outcome after coronary revascularization in hemodialysis patients. Open-labeled prospective randomized trial. Maintenance hemodialysis patients who underwent percutaneous coronary artery intervention and had complete coronary revascularization (absence of both restenosis and de novo coronary lesion) at coronary arteriography 6 months later. Enrollment occurred between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2004. Treatment with or without oral administration of nicorandil, 15 mg/d. The primary end point was cardiac death (sudden cardiac death or death from acute myocardial infarction or congestive heart failure). The secondary end point was all-cause death. End-point adjudication was performed masked to the intervention. 129 patients (91 men, 38 women) with a mean age of 66 +/- 9 (SD) years. During a 2.7 +/- 1.5-year follow-up, 26 died of cardiac events (acute myocardial infarction, 6; congestive heart failure, 5; sudden cardiac death, 15), and 12 died of noncardiac causes. Cardiac death-free survival rates were greater in the nicorandil group than in the control group (P = 0.009; at 3 years, 86.6% in the nicorandil group and 70.7% in the control group). All-cause death-free survival rates were also greater in the nicorandil group than in the control group (P = 0.01; at 3 years, 79.2% in the nicorandil group versus 60.5% in the control group). Additional percutaneous coronary artery intervention was performed in 6 participants in the nicorandil group and 2 participants in the control group. No serious side effects of nicorandil were reported during the course of the study. Small sample size and open-label design. Oral administration of nicorandil may reduce cardiac death and improve the survival of hemodialysis patients after coronary revascularization.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With Y-Saphenous Vein Grafts

The saphenous vein is one of the indispensible grafts for coronary revascularization despite the advantages of arterial grafts over veins. It can be used in different configurations with different anastomosis (eg, sequential, composite, or Y-graft) techniques. Our aim was to investigate early and midterm results of Y-type anastomosis of saphenous vein grafts for complete coronary revascularization. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with Y-graft technique was performed in 512 patients between February 1998 and June 2007. In total, 608 saphenous Y coronary anastomoses were performed. These anastomoses were on first and second obtuse marginal arteries (n: 323), first diagonal and first obtuse marginal arteries (n: 187), posterolateral and posterior descending artery (n: 79), and right coronary artery and posterior descending artery (n: 19). Endareterectomy was performed in 28 patients with severely calcified coronary arteries. Patients were evaluated for early and late survival, newly developing cardiac events, recurring angina, and reinterventions. In the early postoperative period, new myocardial infarction (MI) occurred in 27 (5.2%) patients and mortality in 13 (2.5%). Follow-up included the results of 487 (98%) patients. Mean follow-up duration was 56 +/- 24 months. Late mortality occurred in 36 (7.3%) patients, and in 13 (2.6%) patients new MI developed in the remote follow-up. Overall survival including all deaths at 3, 5, and 7 years was 94 +/- 0.6%, 86 +/- 1.3%, and 83 +/- 2.1%, respectively, and actuarial freedom from angina recurrence at 3, 5, and 7 years was 95.2 +/- 2.5%, 86.4 +/- 3%, and 84.7 +/- 4.6%, respectively. Among long-term survivors, 116 patients (25.7%), 49 being symptomatic, with 123 saphenous Y-type anastomoses having undergone angiography studies. Saphenous vein Y grafts were completely patent in 94 anastomoses (76.4%). Saphenous vein Y-type anastomosis technique can safely be used in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) with successful long-term outcomes. As with sequential anastomosis, the safety of the technique may be attributed to the distribution of inflow from aorta into multiple vessels.

Relationship between the metabolic syndrome and the incidence of stroke after complete coronary revascularization over a 10-year follow-up period

Objectives The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, regarded as an important risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke, is growing. However, the association between the metabolic syndrome and stroke, particularly in patients following coronary revascularization, remains unknown. Therefore, the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and stroke was examined among patients who had achieved complete coronary revascularization. Methods 1836 consecutive patients who had achieved complete revascularization from 1984 to 1992 were studied. The patients were categorized according to the presence or absence of the metabolic syndrome using the modified AHA/NHLBI statement (obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used for adjusted analyses for all-cause and cardiac mortality, as well as for the incidence of fatal and non-fatal stroke. Results The progress of 826 (45.0%) patients with the metabolic syndrome and 1010 (55.0%) patients without the metabolic syndrome was analyzed. The mean follow-up was 11.4 ± 2.9 years. Overall, there were 130 (7.1%) strokes, and the risk of stroke was significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome than in those without metabolic syndrome (HR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0–2.1; P = 0.045). Conclusion The presence of the metabolic syndrome is a significant predictor of stroke, as well as all-cause and cardiac mortality, among patients who achieve complete coronary revascularization.