Debate: PCI or CABG for multivessel disease? Viewpoint: No clear winner in an unfair fight

The Arterial Revascularization Therapy Study (ARTS) and the Stent or Surgery (SoS) trial each randomized patients with multivessel disease to either stenting or bypass surgery. The ARTS showed no difference in mortality between the two strategies, other than in diabetic patients, who fared better with surgery. The SoS trial demonstrated increased mortality in the stent arm, a difference that was not attributable to diabetes. Both trials found that the rates of repeat revascularization were lower with surgery, although the rate with stenting was much lower than had been seen in previous trials of angioplasty. Use of antiplatelet therapy such as intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, especially with their pronounced effects in diabetics and in those with multivessel disease, could potentially equalize the playing field or perhaps even tip the balance in favor of percutaneous intervention.