Coronary computed tomographic angiography for preoperative risk: improved area under curve is not enough

Coronary Angiography and Revascularization Prior to Noncardiac Surgery

OPINION STATEMENT

The role of coronary angiography and revascularization, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) prior to noncardiac surgery remains poorly defined. The goal of preoperative angiography and PCI is improved risk stratification and ideally risk reduction of postoperative cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction (MI). By current guidelines, these procedures should be performed sparingly in high-risk stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients and routinely in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Anatomic assessment of CAD by routine invasive angiography is discouraged, although noninvasive assessment may soon be possible. As prior trials have failed to show a clear benefit in outcomes, PCI should only be considered in patients with high-risk anatomic features. The ideal management of other anatomic disease discovered by angiography is currently unknown. Limited registry data suggest that PCI is used more frequently than recommended, although the features of these procedures remain poorly elaborated. In patients who do undergo preoperative PCI, careful attention must be paid to patient-specific factors including the nature and urgency of surgery and duration of dual antiplatelet therapy. In summary, substantial evidence gaps warrant further research in this important area.