The optimal revascularization strategy for multivessel coronary artery disease: the debate continues.

Mortality rates were lower among patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) than among similar patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in an analysis of data from New York State registries (N Engl J Med 2005; 352:2174-2183). This finding appears to run counter to the results of randomized controlled trials, which found both procedures equivalent with regard to mortality. What are we to believe?