Circulation
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Influence of diabetes on 5-year mortality and morbidity in a randomized trial comparing CABG and PTCA in patients with multivessel disease: the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation (BARI)
Patients with diabetes mellitus have increased morbidity and mortality after coronary revascularization. The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation (BARI), a trial of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) versus coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in patients with multivessel disease, reported a 5-year survival advantage of CABG over PTCA in patients with treated diabetes mellitus (TDM). This report examines these findings in more detail. ⋯ Patients with TDM assigned to an initial strategy of CABG have a striking reduction in cardiac mortality compared with PTCA. Long-term internal mammary artery graft patency may contribute to this improved outcome by reducing the fatality of follow-up myocardial infarction.