Guidelines for revascularization: The evidence base matures

Myocardial revascularization procedures continue to represent important treatment options for patients with acute and chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) and also represent a major source of health care expenditures. For the past decade, the indications for revascularization in patients with chronic CAD, and the indications for surgical versus percutaneous revascularization, have been the subject of considerable discussion, debate, and controversy. The guidelines from the American College of Cardiology Foundation / American Heart Association (ACCF/AHA) and the European Society of Cardiology / European Association for Cardiothoracic S (ESC/EACTS) have made major inroads in resolving these issues and have provided the standards for care for interventional cardiologists, surgeons, and the physicians who refer patients for these procedures. The transatlantic guidelines have also been remarkably concordant in their overall recommendations.