• S Desch, E Boudriot, A Rastan, P E Buszman, A Bochenek, F W Mohr, G Schuler, and H Thiele.
• Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, University of Leipzig Heart Center, Strümpellstrasse 39, Leipzig, Germany. stdesch@web.de
• Herz. 2013 Feb 1; 38 (1): 48-56.

ObjectiveWe performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of de novo unprotected left main disease.BackgroundAlthough CABG is accepted to be standard of care for revascularization of unprotected left main stenosis, PCI is increasingly being used as an alternative primary approach.MethodsWe searched for randomized, controlled trials comparing CABG and PCI for the treatment of unprotected left main disease. Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeat revascularization) were analyzed.ResultsThe search strategy identified 4 randomized controlled trials enrolling a total of 1,611 patients. Follow-up ranged between 1 and 2 years. There were no significant differences in the risk of death or myocardial infarction between the two treatment modalities. While the risk of stroke was significantly lower in patients undergoing PCI (risk ratio (RR) 0.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10-0.69, p = 0.007), the risk of repeat revascularization was higher among patients undergoing PCI (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.43-2.61, p < 0.001). No relevant statistical heterogeneity across studies could be found.ConclusionIn this largest series of randomized patients with unprotected left main stenosis to date, the risk of death and myocardial infarction was comparable between CABG and PCI. However, patients undergoing CABG had a higher risk of stroke, whereas patients undergoing PCI were at a higher risk for repeat revascularization.

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