The Effect of Adding Ticagrelor to Standard Aspirin on Saphenous Vein Graft Patency in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (POPular CABG): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

In RCT (n=499≥1 saphenous vein graft [SVGs]), addition of ticagrelor to standard aspirin did not reduce SVG occlusion at one year after CABG (occlusion rate, ticagrelor group 10.5% vs. 9.1% placebo group; OR 1.29; 95% CI: 0.73 -2.30; p=0.38).

SPS commentary:

An editorial notes that while it is attractive to propose more aggressive antiplatelet therapies could improve SVG patency, this study, in addition to the other studies with similar negative findings from adding anti-platelet agents to aspirin, lays this approach to rest. It adds that the argument has been made in two studies reporting higher SVG failure rates than the present study that statins improve SVG patency although the data are not considered that convincing and it is probably a moot point because anyone undergoing CABG should be on statins, if tolerated, for the rest of their lives.

Circulation

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Editorial