Trials of angioplasty and surgery: CABRI.

The medium term (4-year post randomization) results from CABRI indicate that the principal difference between those randomized to coronary angioplasty and those to coronary surgery has been the much greater need for repeat revascularization in the former. A number of factors may play a role in the greater repeat revascularization rate post coronary angioplasty, these include coronary restenosis, residual coronary artery disease, coronary artery disease progression. In the longer term, graft failure in those who have undergone coronary surgery will be important, and it remains to be seen what the effect of this will be.