Did Time to Randomization Affect the OAT Results?

Not according to new substudy findings, which effectively scuttle the case for routinely reopening infarct-related coronary arteries in stable patients.

Results of the Occluded Artery Trial (OAT) unexpectedly demonstrated no advantage for routine percutaneous coronary intervention over medical therapy in 2166 stable patients 3 to 28 days after an acute MI (JW Cardiol Nov 14 2006). All participants had poor or absent flow in a major infarct-related artery and LV ejection fractions <50%. Even though an ancillary nuclear imaging study confirmed at least moderate retained myocardial viability in the region of the index MI in two thirds of patients, no difference in improved LV function was observed between the PCI and medical groups.

In the current substudy, researchers evaluated the potential benefit of PCI compared with medical therapy in those OAT participants who were enrolled relatively ear…

Reviewing Author

Beat J. Meyer, MD

Disclosures

Leadership positions in professional societiesBern Heart Foundation (President); International Academy of Medicine, Bern, Switzerland (Director)

Beat J. Meyer, MD

Disclosures

Leadership positions in professional societiesBern Heart Foundation (President); International Academy of Medicine, Bern, Switzerland (Director)