In September 1984, the Workshop on Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery recommended consideration of a clinical trial involving surgery and angioplasty. An NHLBI Task Force, established in January 1985, recommended that a clinical trial in multivessel coronary artery disease be considered by the Institute. The Cardiology Advisory Committee unanimously recommended the design and execution of a trial. In September 1985, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council discussed this clinical trial initiative and recommended it enthusiastically.