Coronary artery revascularisation: selecting the appropriate strategy

Advances in interventional cardiology, particularly in better efficacy and safety of drug-eluting stents, have made percutaneous coronary revascularisation practical for most patients requiring revascularisation. While this has reduced the perceived need for coronary bypass surgery, it has also focused attention on the appropriate use of coronary stents and the complexity of choosing the right revascularisation strategy. To achieve the best outcomes, it would seem that collaboration rather than competition between cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists is necessary.