Effect of radial artery or saphenous vein conduit for the second graft on 6-year clinical outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting. Results of a randomised trial

Abstract

Objectives: In order to determine the best conduit for coronary targets other than the left anterior descending (LAD) artery, long-term clinical outcomes following revascularisation with a radial artery or saphenous vein graft were evaluated as part of the radial artery patency and clinical outcomes (RAPCO) study. Methods: As part of the RAPCO protocol for this prospective, randomised, single-centre trial, patients aged over 70 years undergoing primary CABG were randomly assigned to use of a radial artery (n = 113) or saphenous vein (n = 112) to revascularise the best non-LAD coronary vessel. Follow-up was annual. Primary clinical end-points were death, myocardial infarction or need for reva..