Computed Tomography Cardiac Angiography Before Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With Previous Bypass Surgery: The BYPASS-CTCA Trial

Coronary computed tomography angiography to guide percutaneous coronary intervention: Expert opinion from a SCAI/SCCT roundtable

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as an important tool for planning percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). While it has traditionally been employed for diagnostic purposes, increasing evidence and real-world experience suggest that CCTA can be used for the pre-procedural planning of PCI and inform patient triage, shared decision-making, case complexity, and resource use. This approach mirrors how computed tomography angiography is routinely used to plan structural interventions. To address these emerging opportunities, the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) and the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) organized a multidisciplinary, expert scientific roundtable on the use of CCTA for guiding PCI. The goal of this document is to provide a state-of-the-art overview of CCTA-guided PCI, focused on practical applications and key coronary lesion subsets, define unmet needs and barriers, and outline future directions.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in Cardiomyopathy: Diagnostic and Prognostic Insights

This review focuses on the key noninvasive cardiac imaging techniques, including coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). It highlights essential publications pertinent to clinicians managing ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. CCTA provides an anatomical assessment that offers superior diagnostic accuracy compared to functional tests. It is a valuable tool for understanding the impact of nonobstructive coronary artery disease on patient outcomes. Additionally, CCTA is beneficial in defining the morphology of vulnerable plaque, which closely aligns with IVUS findings. It also demonstrates safety advantages, including reduced contrast volume and radiation dose and a lower risk of contrast-induced nephropathy when used in post-CABG besides conventional coronary angiograms. CMR provides invaluable insight into MI size and microvascular obstruction, critical for understanding a patient's prognosis. The assessment of scar tissue with CMR has become an essential tool for risk stratification and informs therapeutic decisions regarding the implantation of ICD.

The Impact of Hydrostatic Pressure on Fractional Flow Reserve in Saphenous Vein Grafts

BACKGROUND

The relationship between height differences related to graft anatomy and physiological pressure indices in coronary bypass grafts has not been studied. We sought to study the impact of hydrostatic pressure on fractional flow reserve (FFR) in saphenous vein grafts (SVGs).

METHODS

Included were 66 symptomatic patients (76 SVGs) with prior coronary artery bypass grafting who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) preceding invasive coronary angiography with FFR interrogation of ≥ 1 SVGs. The graft course and height excursion were reconstructed based on CCTA images. The impact of hydrostatic pressure on FFR (corrected FFR) was calculated by adding or subtracting 0.077 mmHg to the distal coronary pressure for every millimeter height difference in a supine position between the SVG ostium and the pressure wire tip position.

RESULTS

The height difference (mm) between the SVG ostium and pressure wire tip position was largest for single SVGs to the circumflex artery (Cx; -55.1 ± 17.0), followed by sequential SVGs to the Cx (-51.8 ± 17.3) and the right coronary artery (RCA; -36.7 ± 21.6). The correlation between height difference and uncorrected FFR was -0.59 (p < 0.001). Corrected FFR was lower as compared to uncorrected FFR in the overall cohort (0.86 ± 0.17 vs. 0.88 ± 0.18), in single SVGs to Cx (0.85 ± 0.17 vs. 0.90 ± 0.18), and in sequential SVGs to Cx (0.92 ± 0.14 vs. 0.96 ± 0.15) and RCA (0.82 ± 0.17 vs. 0.85 ± 0.21) (p < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrostatic pressure related to height differences along the course anatomy of SVGs can impact FFR measurements, with corrected FFR being significantly lower in SVGs to the Cx and sequential SVGs to the RCA.

Successful pharmaco-mechanical treatment of a subtotally occluded venous bypass graft in a patient presenting with acute coronary syndrome: a case report and review of the current literature on the role of local thrombolysis

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common and effective treatment for patients with complex coronary artery disease. This case report discusses a 75-year-old male patient who presented with angina and shortness of breath due to thrombus formation in a venous graft 20 years after CABG. Initial diagnostics indicated non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, leading to immediate intervention. Cardiac catheterization revealed thrombus in the vein graft to the large first diagonal branch, necessitating percutaneous coronary intervention. Despite initial efforts, thrombus aspiration and further catheter advancement were unsuccessful. A combination of balloon angioplasty, stent implantation, and intra-arterial thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) was employed, resulting in significant thrombus reduction and improved coronary flow. Follow-up coronary CT angiography (CCTA) confirmed complete thrombus resolution and patent graft. The patient was discharged with dual antiplatelet therapy and showed favorable outcomes. This case emphasizes the challenges of managing thrombotic complications in venous bypass grafts and highlights the effectiveness of a multifaceted interventional approach combined with CCTA for non-invasive patient follow-up and assessment of treatment success. Furthermore, a review of the current literature on the role of local thrombolysis for occluded coronary artery bypass grafts is provided.

Hybrid cardiovascular imaging. A clinical consensus statement of the european association of nuclear medicine (EANM) and the european association of cardiovascular imaging (EACVI) of the ESC

Hybrid imaging consists of a combination of two or more imaging modalities, which equally contribute to image information. To date, hybrid cardiovascular imaging can be performed by either merging images acquired on different scanners, or with truly hybrid PET/CT and PET/MR scanners. The European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM), and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) aim to review clinical situations that may benefit from the use of hybrid cardiac imaging and provide advice on acquisition protocols providing the most relevant information to reach diagnosis in various clinical situations.

Computed Tomography Angiography in the Catheterization Laboratory: A Guide Towards Optimizing Coronary Interventions

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become an essential tool in the pre-procedural planning and optimization of coronary interventions. Its non-invasive nature allows for the detailed visualization of coronary anatomy, including plaque burden, vessel morphology, and the presence of stenosis, aiding in precise decision making for revascularization strategies. Clinicians can assess not only the extent of coronary artery disease but also the functional significance of lesions using techniques like fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT). By providing comprehensive insights into coronary structure and hemodynamics, cardiac CT helps guide personalized treatment plans, ensuring the more accurate selection of patients for percutaneous coronary interventions or coronary artery bypass grafting and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Cardiac CT, MRI, and PET in 2023: Exploration of Key Articles across Imaging and Multidisciplinary Journals

In this review, the authors examine recent advancements in noninvasive cardiac imaging, focusing on cardiac CT, MRI, and PET, reviewing key publications from imaging and multidisciplinary journals from 2023. The authors discuss the increasing adoption of photon-counting CT and its applications in coronary and structural imaging, and explore various aspects of plaque and functional assessment, emphasizing their clinical implications. Radiation exposure analysis from the SCOT-HEART (Scottish Computed Tomography of the Heart) trial is also discussed. The authors highlight the integration of artificial intelligence applications in cardiac imaging. Three-year follow-up data from the ADVANCE Registry are described, showcasing the potential of using artificial intelligence to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in cardiovascular care. The authors explore the latest studies evaluating different cardiomyopathies using cardiac MRI. Radiologists' growing understanding of the brain-heart axis is presented through discussion of several studies. The authors also discuss the prognostic advantages of MRI over PET in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. Finally, the authors outline society statements and guidelines from 2023 that are pertinent to cardiac imaging, offering a comprehensive review of current trends and applications in noninvasive imaging modalities.

[The challenging patient-recommendations and solutions]

BACKGROUND

The continuous technical development of cardiac computed tomography (CT) over the last decades has led to an improvement in image quality and diagnostic accuracy, while simultaneously reducing radiation exposure. Despite these advancements, certain patient-related factors remain a challenge to conduct a high-quality diagnostic examination.

QUESTION

What factors can negatively affect the image quality of cardiac CT and how can these be addressed?

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of the available literature on cardiac CT and identification of the quality-limiting factors, discussion, and possible solutions.

RESULTS

Tachycardia, arrhythmias, high coronary calcification, the presence of stents and coronary artery bypasses, as well as obesity and anxiety were identified as primary factors that limit image quality and diagnostic accuracy. These issues primarily arise from a lack of response or the presence of contraindications to premedication, blooming artifacts, variations in postoperative anatomy, as well as other personal factors. Suggested solutions include optimizing premedication, scanner modifications, the selection of the most suitable acquisition mode, new scanner technologies, and innovative image reconstruction methods including artificial intelligence.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain factors continue to pose a major challenge for cardiac CT. Knowledge of alternative premedication, scanner modifications, as well as the use of postprocessing software and new technologies can help overcome these limitations, enabling successful and safe cardiac CTs even in challenging patients.

CTCA Prior to Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With Previous Bypass Surgery: Patient-Related Outcomes, Imaging Resource Utilization, and Cardiac Events at 3 Years From the BYPASS-CTCA Trial

BACKGROUND

In patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting, computed tomography cardiac angiography (CTCA) before invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was demonstrated in the BYPASS-CTCA trial (Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess Whether Computed Tomography Cardiac Angiography Can Improve Invasive Coronary Angiography in Bypass Surgery Patients) to reduce procedure time and incidence of contrast-associated acute kidney injury, with greater levels of patient satisfaction. Patient-related outcomes, utilization of further diagnostic imaging resources, and longer-term incidence of major adverse cardiac events were key secondary end points not yet reported.

METHODS

Patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting referred for ICA were randomized 1:1 to undergo CTCA before ICA or ICA alone and followed up for a median of 3 (2.2-3.4) years. Angina status was assessed using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and overall quality of life using the EQ-5D-5L. The incidence of noninvasive imaging use and major adverse cardiac events were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

In all, 688 patients were randomized, 344 to CTCA+ICA and 344 to ICA only. The mean age of participants was 69.8 years, with 45% undergoing ICA for acute coronary syndromes and the remainder stable angina. At 3 months follow-up, patients in the CTCA+ICA group were more likely to be angina-free (51.7% versus 43.2%; P=0.03) with greater quality of life (EQ-5D-5L index, 81.6 versus 74.4; P=0.001), although these improvements did not persist. At 3 years follow-up, imaging resource use (35.8% versus 45.1%; odds ratio, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.50-0.92]; P=0.013) and incidence of major adverse cardiac events were lower in the CTCA+ICA group (35.8% versus 43.5%; hazard ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.58-0.93]; P=0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting undergoing ICA, CTCA before ICA leads to reductions in the use of imaging resources and the rate of major cardiac events out to 3 years, but with similar patient-related outcome measures. Together with the initial findings of BYPASS-CTCA, these data are supportive of routinely undertaking a CTCA before ICA in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03736018.

[May Coronary CT-Scan be used as a systematic screening tool for the global population to prevent acute coronary syndrome and ischemic heart failure?]

Coronary CT-Scan permits non-invasive visualization of all stages of coronary artery atherosclerosis allowing early therapeutic interventions, lifestyle changes and accurate follow-up all of which result in an improved prognosis. We discuss the possibility of a systematic coronary CT-scan in the global population at certain ages such as fifty or sixty years-old (or both). May this strategy decrease the onset of myocardial infarction or ischemic chronic heart failure thus improving quality (and quantity) of life? May it also reduce the medical costs for the individual and the society? Is it technically possible to deploy such a strategy? What would be the obstacles for its set up and what solutions might be proposed?

CCTA-Guided Invasive Coronary Angiography in Patients With CABG: A Multicenter, Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) has a high diagnostic accuracy for visualization of grafts. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients with CABG is associated with increased procedural time, contrast agent administration, radiation exposure, and complications, compared with non-CABG patients. The aim of this multicenter, randomized controlled trial was to compare the strategy of CCTA-guided ICA versus classic ICA in patients with prior CABG.

METHODS

Patients with prior CABG were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to have a CCTA before ICA (CCTA-ICA, group A) or not (ICA-only, group B). The primary end point of the study was the total volume (milliliters) of the contrast agent administered.

RESULTS

A total of 251 patients were randomized, and 225 were included in analysis; 110 in group A and 115 in group B. The total contrast volume was higher in group A (184.5 [143-255] versus 154 [102-240] mL; P=0.001). The contrast volume administered during the invasive procedure was lower in group A (101.5 [60-151] versus 154 [102-240]; P<0.001). Total fluoroscopy time was decreased in group A (480 [259-873] versus 594 [360-1080] seconds; P=0.027), but total effective dose was increased (24.1 [17.7-32] versus 10.8 [5.6-18] mSv; P<0.001). The rate of contrast-induced nephropathy, periprocedural complications, and major adverse cardiac events during 3 to 5 and 30 days did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A CCTA-directed ICA strategy for patients with CABG is associated with expedition of the invasive procedure, and less fluoroscopy time, at the cost of higher total contrast volume and effective radiation dose, compared with the classic ICA approach.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04631809.

Non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes with previous coronary artery bypass grafting: a meta-analysis of invasive vs. conservative management

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

A routine invasive strategy is recommended in the management of higher risk patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACSs). However, patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery were excluded from key trials that informed these guidelines. Thus, the benefit of a routine invasive strategy is less certain in this specific subgroup.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. A comprehensive search was performed of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligible studies were RCTs of routine invasive vs. a conservative or selective invasive strategy in patients presenting with NSTE-ACS that included patients with previous CABG. Summary data were collected from the authors of each trial if not previously published. Outcomes assessed were all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, myocardial infarction, and cardiac-related hospitalization. Using a random-effects model, risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Summary data were obtained from 11 RCTs, including previously unpublished subgroup outcomes of nine trials, comprising 897 patients with previous CABG (477 routine invasive, 420 conservative/selective invasive) followed up for a weighted mean of 2.0 (range 0.5-10) years. A routine invasive strategy did not reduce all-cause mortality (RR 1.12, 95% CI 0.97-1.29), cardiac mortality (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.70-1.58), myocardial infarction (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.65-1.23), or cardiac-related hospitalization (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.78-1.40).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first meta-analysis assessing the effect of a routine invasive strategy in patients with prior CABG who present with NSTE-ACS. The results confirm the under-representation of this patient group in RCTs of invasive management in NSTE-ACS and suggest that there is no benefit to a routine invasive strategy compared to a conservative approach with regard to major adverse cardiac events. These findings should be validated in an adequately powered RCT.

[Role of computed tomography in transcatheter coronary and structural heart disease interventions]

Computed tomography is a noninvasive imaging technique with high spatial resolution, providing excellent definition of calcium and intravascular space through the use of contrast media. This imaging modality allows both highly accurate measurements and virtual simulations for preprocedural planning in coronary and structural heart disease interventions. Computed tomography is currently the gold standard technique for patient selection and preprocedural planning in numerous scenarios, such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation, left atrial appendage occlusion, transcatheter mitral valve repair, and transcatheter tricuspid valve repair. This article reviews the role of computed tomography in transcatheter coronary and structural heart disease interventions.

Outcomes of management strategies in patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting presenting with an acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Patients with prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have poor outcomes and the optimal treatment strategy for this population is unknown.

METHODS

Using linked administrative databases, we examined patients with an ACS between 2008 and 2019, identifying patients with prior CABG. Patients were categorized by ACS presentation type and treatment strategy. Our primary outcome was the composite of death and recurrent myocardial infarction at one year.

RESULTS

Of 54,641 patients who presented with an ACS, 1670 (3.1%) had a history of prior CABG. Of those, 11.0% presented with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) of which, 15.3% were treated medically, 31.1% underwent angiography but were treated medically, 22.4% with fibrinolytic therapy and 31.1% with primary PCI. The primary outcome rate was the highest (36.8%) in patients who did not undergo angiography and was similar in the primary PCI (20.8%) and fibrinolytic group (21.9%). In patients presenting with a non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) (89.0%), 33.2% were treated medically, 38.5% underwent angiography but were treated medically and 28.2% were treated with PCI. Compared to those who underwent PCI, patients treated conservatively demonstrated a higher risk of the composite outcome (14.8% vs 27.3%; adjusted hazard ratio 1.70, 95% confidence interval 1.22-2.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with prior CABG presenting with an ACS are often treated conservatively without PCI, which is associated with a higher risk of adverse events.

The effect of CTCA guided selective invasive graft assessment on coronary angiographic parameters and outcomes: Insights from the BYPASS-CTCA trial

BACKGROUND

Computed tomography cardiac angiography (CTCA) is recommended for the evaluation of patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The BYPASS-CTCA study demonstrated that CTCA prior to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in CABG patients leads to significant reductions in procedure time and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), alongside improved patient satisfaction. However, whether CTCA information was used to facilitate selective graft cannulation at ICA was not protocol mandated. In this post-hoc analysis we investigated the influence of CTCA facilitated selective graft assessment on angiographic parameters and study endpoints.

METHODS

BYPASS-CTCA was a randomized controlled trial in which patients with previous CABG referred for ICA were randomized to undergo CTCA prior to ICA, or ICA alone. In this post-hoc analysis we assessed the impact of selective ICA (grafts not invasively cannulated based on the CTCA result) following CTCA versus non-selective ICA (imaging all grafts irrespective of CTCA findings). The primary endpoints were ICA procedural duration, incidence of CIN, and patient satisfaction post-ICA. Secondary endpoints included the incidence of procedural complications and 1-year major adverse cardiac events.

RESULTS

In the CTCA cohort (n ​= ​343), 214 (62.4%) patients had selective coronary angiography performed, whereas 129 (37.6%) patients had non-selective ICA. Procedure times were significantly reduced in the selective CTCA ​+ ​ICA group compared to the non-selective CTCA ​+ ​ICA group (-5.82min, 95% CI -7.99 to -3.65, p ​< ​0.001) along with reduction of CIN (1.5% vs 5.8%, OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.98). No difference was seen in patient satisfaction with the ICA, however procedural complications (0.9% vs 4.7%, OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09-0.87) and 1-year major adverse cardiac events (13.1% vs 20.9%, HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32-0.96) were significantly lower in the selective group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with prior CABG, CTCA guided selective angiographic assessment of bypass grafts is associated with improved procedural parameters, lower complication rates and better 12-month outcomes. Taken in addition to the main findings of the BYPASS-CTCA trial, these results suggest a synergistic approach between CTCA and ICA should be considered in this patient group.

REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03736018.

Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography in the Evaluation of Coronary Artery Disease: An Interventional Perspective

Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has become the gold standard for noninvasive anatomic assessment of the coronary arteries. With high positive predictive value and even higher negative predictive value, CCTA allows for rapid determination of the presence or absence of coronary plaque and triage of patients' need for further invasive evaluation and treatment. From an interventional cardiologist's perspective, CCTA (more so than stress testing) is helpful in determining the need for invasive therapy. In conjunction with functional assessments, the anatomic evaluation from CCTA mirrors the anatomical assessment of a coronary angiogram more than any other noninvasive assessment. This allows for catheter selection, percutaneous coronary intervention preplanning, as well as additional decision making before the patient has entered the catheterization laboratory. This manuscript explores some of the more recent developments in noninvasive coronary angiography and discusses the use and utility of CCTA from an interventional cardiologist's perspective.

Cardiovascular imaging research and innovation in 2023

In 2023, cardiovascular imaging has made significant advancements, in terms of technology, pathophysiology, and clinical application. In this review, the most recent research findings in the field of cardiovascular imaging are discussed. Artificial intelligence and large population cohorts, together with several technical improvements, have had a crucial impact on the technological advancements of echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, computed tomography (CT), and nuclear medicine. In the field of ischaemic heart disease, it has been demonstrated that appropriate non-invasive imaging strategies improve patients' management and reduce invasive procedures and the need for additional testing at follow-up. Moreover, improvements in plaque characterization with CT are an expanding field of research with relevant implications for the prediction of disease severity, evolution, and response to treatment. In the field of valvular heart disease, imaging techniques have advanced alongside improvements in transcatheter treatment for aortic stenosis, mitral, and tricuspid regurgitation. Finally, in the field of heart failure and cardiomyopathies, cardiovascular imaging has reinforced its crucial role in early diagnosis and risk evaluation, showcasing advanced techniques that outperform traditional methods in predicting adverse outcomes.

Cardiac Computed Tomography in Monitoring Revascularization

The use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in the setting of stable coronary artery disease is highly recommended for low-risk patients. High-risk patients, such as symptomatic subjects with prior revascularization, are suggested to be investigated with noninvasive functional tests or invasive coronary angiography. CCTA is not considered for these patients because of some well-known CCTA artifacts, such as blooming and motion artifacts. However, new technology has allowed us to obtain images with high spatial resolution, overcoming these well-known limitations of CCTA. Furthermore, the introduction of CT-derived fractional flow reserve and stress CT perfusion has made CCTA a comprehensive examination, including anatomical and functional assessments of coronary plaques. Additionally, CCTA allows for plaque characterization, which has become a cornerstone for the optimization of medical therapy, which is not possible with functional tests. Recent evidence has suggested that CCTA could be used with the aim of monitoring revascularization, both after coronary bypass grafts and percutaneous coronary intervention. With this background information, CCTA can also be considered the exam of choice in subjects with a history of revascularization. The availability of a noninvasive anatomic test for patients with previous coronary revascularization and its possible association with functional assessments in a single exam could play a key role in the follow-up management of these subjects, especially considering the rate of false-positive and negative results of noninvasive functional tests. The present review summarizes the main evidence about CCTA and coronary artery bypass grafts, complex percutaneous coronary intervention, and bioresorbable stent implantation.

Saphenous Vein Graft Failure: Current Challenges and a Review of the Contemporary Percutaneous Options for Management

The use of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) in the surgical management of obstructive coronary artery disease remains high despite a growing understanding of their limitations in longevity. In contemporary practice, approximately 95% of patients receive one SVG in addition to a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft. The precise patency rates for SVGs vary widely in the literature, with estimates of up to 61% failure rate at greater than 10 years of follow-up. SVGs are known to progressively degenerate over time and, even if they remain patent, demonstrate marked accelerated atherosclerosis. Multiple studies have demonstrated a marked acceleration of atherosclerosis in bypassed native coronary arteries compared to non-bypassed arteries, which predisposes to a high number of native chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and subsequent procedural challenges when managing graft failure. Patients with failing SVGs frequently require revascularisation to previously grafted territories, with estimates of 13% of CABG patients requiring an additional revascularisation procedure within 10 years. Redo CABG confers a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality and, as such, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become the favoured strategy for revascularisation in SVG failure. Percutaneous treatment of a degenerative SVG provides unique challenges secondary to a tendency for frequent superimposed thrombi on critical graft stenoses, friable lesions with marked potential for distal embolization and subsequent no-reflow phenomena, and high rates of peri-procedural myocardial infarction (MI). Furthermore, the rates of restenosis within SVG stents are disproportionately higher than native vessel PCI despite the advances in drug-eluting stent (DES) technology. The alternative to SVG PCI in failed grafts is PCI to the native vessel, 'replacing' the grafts and restoring patency within the previously grafted coronary artery, with or without occluding the donor graft. This strategy has additional challenges to de novo coronary artery PCI, however, due to the high burden of complex atherosclerotic lesion morphology, extensive coronary calcification, and the high incidence of CTO. Large patient cohort studies have reported worse short- and long-term outcomes with SVG PCI compared to native vessel PCI. The PROCTOR trial is a large and randomised control trial aimed at assessing the superiority of native vessel PCI versus vein graft PCI in patients with prior CABG awaiting results. This review article will explore the complexities of SVG failure and assess the contemporary evidence in guiding optimum percutaneous interventional strategy.