Coronary Stenting versus Bypass Graft Surgery for Management of Left Main Coronary Artery Disease in the Setting of Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: There is a lack of published research that compare stenting versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. This research compared the safety and efficacy of stents versus CABG for patients with LMCA disease in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to retrieve the records of LMCA who underwent coronary stenting or CABG. We compared both techniques in terms of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and postoperative complications. Results: Sixty patients were included (30 patients in each group). The incidence of periprocedural mortality was equal between PCI and CABG groups (6.7% versus 10%). Likewise, the overall incidence of periprocedural complications was comparable between both groups (13.3% versus 20%). The incidence of immediate post procedural complications was 20% and 30% in PCI and CABG groups, respectively (p =0.37). Likewise, the rate of immediate post procedural mortality was 3.3% and 6.7%, respectively (p =1.0). Both groups exhibited similar rates of late post procedural complications as well (p =0.25). Conclusion: In conclusion, PCI and CABG had comparable postoperative outcomes in LMCA patients in the setting of acute myocardial infarction. Further randomized controlled trials with larger sample size and longer follow-up period are required to evaluate the safety and efficacy of both techniques in such patients.