Bypass and Angioplasty Investigation (BARI) puts polymerase transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) on equal footing
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Almost 90% of severe heart disease patients survive at least five years after PTCA or bypass surgery but bypass gives the greatest short-term improvement in quality of life, according to follow-up data from BARI (Bypass and Angioplasty Investigation). The study, presented at the AHA annual meeting (Anaheim, California. November 13th-16th) also confirmed previous research which has shown higher mortality for diabetics on drug treatment after PTCA (see table).