Practice Changer: CABG Bests Multivessel Stenting in Diabetes

Dr. Fuster agreed, adding that a key implication of FREEDOM is that when a diabetic patient is scheduled for coronary angiography, a conversation about the study findings needs to occur before the trip to the catheterization laboratory. That way the patient understands in advance that if multivessel disease is found, strong consideration needs to be given to CABG.

^{Courtesy of Dr. Gilles Montalescot}

Dr. Gilles Montalescot

"To me the crux of the trial is to tell the patient early," Dr. Fuster said.

Persons with diabetes comprise roughly 25% of the nearly 1 million patients who undergo multivessel coronary revascularization each year in the United States.

Simultaneous with Dr. Fuster’s presentation at the AHA meeting, the FREEDOM results were published online in the New England Journal of Medicine (doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1211585).

The FREEDOM trial was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Dr. Fuster said he had no relevant financial conflicts. The discussants have received research grants from medical device manufacturers.