Abstract
This review article summarizes in detail the indications for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) based on clinical criteria, coronary angiography finding, left ventricular function, and operative risk estimate using various techniques. Utmost emphasis is placed on operative risk estimate using what is referred to as the EuroSCORE.
The long-term outcomes of CABG are also addressed. The authors clearly identify conditions under which it is preferable to perform surgery or to institute conservative therapy.
A short comparison of CABG and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is included. The need is underlined for the physician making the indication to tell the patient in clear terms whether the latter is referred for surgery as a life-saving or life-extending procedure or to eliminate the patient s current complaints, or both.