Feasibility of coronary CT angiography for guidance of CABG

Abstract

Objective: To assess the clinical safety and effectiveness of coronary revascularization in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) based exclusively on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) results.

Methods: 53 patients (62.3 ± 7.1 years) underwent CCTA before a CABG surgery without prior invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary endpoint was quality of life (QoL) assessed with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). All were collected one year after the surgery.

Results: CCTA revealed multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) in 52 patients. Indication for bypass surgery was made exclusively based on CCTA results. 136 distal anastomoses were performed. Assessment at 1 year (13.3 ± 1.4 months) was completed in 98.1% of the patients. MACE and mortality rates were 0%. The MLHFQ total score was 21.8 ± 8.7, and active lifestyle was maintained in all patients.

Conclusions: In this proof of concept prospective pilot study, we observed that non-invasive coronary angiography may provide adequate anatomic detail to guide CABG surgery. Further study of this concept is warranted.

Keywords: CABG guidance; Coronary artery bypass grafting; Coronary computed tomography angiography; Followup; Quality of life; Simultaneous cardiac operation.