What are the long-term outcomes of unprotected left main coronary revascularization?
The long-term outcomes of unprotected left main coronary revascularization were studied in the SYNTAX score study (Chakravarty et al., 2011). The study found that the SYNTAX score was predictive of long-term outcomes after unprotected left main coronary revascularization. Additionally, the study found that outcomes after unprotected left main coronary revascularization were improved when compared with those of patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (Kim et al., 2010). The Society of Thoracic Surgeons also conducted a study which found that hospital coronary artery bypass volume was associated with processes of care, mortality, and morbidity (Shahian et al., 2009). Finally, a study conducted by Welke et al. (2007) found that cardiac surgery volumes and mortality rates were lower in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database compared to those in the Medicare database from 1993 to 2001. These studies suggest that outcomes after unprotected left main coronary revascularization can be improved with high-volume centers and appropriate risk stratification.  