Myocardial Revascularization: PCI/Stent or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft - What Is Best for Our Patients?

In summary, the goal with SYNTAX scoring is to provide guidance and optimal revascularization strategies in patients with high-risk lesions in the coronary circulation. The SYNTAX score of the evaluation of coronary angiographic pathology profiles the patient by a local heart team; that is, a surgeon and an interventional cardiologist. This local heart team assesses each patient in regards to the patient's operative risk and coronary lesion complexity related to the SYNTAX scoring method. Thus, the SYNTAX scoring system personalizes the decision for the patient being considered for myocardial revascularization. This is critical to determine which procedure is best for the patient being considered for revascularization. In my opinion, there is no excuse for not doing so for every patient. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.