Short-Term DAPT to Prevent Saphenous Vein Graft Occlusion After CABG

When patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) require saphenous vein grafts (SVGs), up to 20% experience occlusion within the first year, despite aspirin use. Concomitant use of ticagrelor or, to a lesser extent, clopidogrel has been shown to reduce that risk, although with higher bleeding risk. Given that SVG occlusion is more likely to occur in the first few months after CABG, researchers conducted a randomized, multicenter, double-blind trial comparing 3 versus 12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with ticagrelor (90 mg twice daily) plus aspirin in nearly 2300 adults. Occlusion was assessed with coronary CT angiography at 12 months.