Revascularization for heart failure

Coronary artery disease is the most common underlying cause of heart failure, yet there is little consensus on the role of revascularization in the management of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. The concept of recovery of dysfunctional but viable myocardium forms the pathophysiologic basis for the benefit of revascularization. Data from observational studies suggest that patients with coronary disease and left ventricular dysfunction may have improved outcomes after surgical revascularization or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to medical treatment. Viability testing may be useful in selecting a population of patients who will receive differential benefit. In the clinical management of patients with heart failure, clinicians face challenging decisions about whether to recommend revascularization especially in patients who do not have angina. As data from randomized trials are awaited, PCI and coronary artery bypass grafting may be considered as complimentary revascularization approaches. Registry data suggest a benefit of coronary artery bypass grafting over PCI in patients with reduced ejection fraction; however, in patients with focal disease and comorbidities including previous surgery, PCI is reasonable, especially if complete revascularization is possible.