Influence of Pre-PTCA Strategy and Initial PTCA Result in Patients With Multivessel Disease The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation (BARI)

Background—In PTCA patients with multivessel coronary artery disease, incomplete revascularization (IR) is the result of both pre-PTCA strategy and initial lesion outcome. The unique contribution of these components on long-term patient outcome is uncertain. Methods and Results—From the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation (BARI), 2047 patients who underwent first-time PTCA were evaluated. Before enrollment, all significant lesions were assessed by the PTCA operator for clinical importance and intention to dilate. Complete revascularization (CR) was defined as successful dilatation of all clinically relevant lesions. Planned CR was indicated in 65% of all patients. More lesions were intended for PTCA in these patients compared with those with planned IR (2.8 versus 2.1). Successful dilatation of all intended lesions occurred in 45% of patients with planned CR versus 56% with planned IR (P<0.001). In multivariable analysis, planned IR (versus planned CR), initial lesions attempted (not all ve...