Acetylsalicylic acid and dipyridamole improve the early patency of aorta-coronary bypass grafts. a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial
Rajah, S.M.; Salter, M.C.; Donaldson, D.R.; Subba Rao, R.; Boyle, R.M.; Partridge, J.B.; Watson, D.A.
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 90(3): 373-377
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5223 PMID: 3897722 Document Number: 257797
A total of 125 patients undergoing aorta-coronary bypass grafting for disabling angina were randomized to receive either 330 mg of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) plus 75 mg of dipyridamole three times daily or a placebo for 6 months postoperatively. In addition, all patients were given warfarin for 3 months. Repeat angiography was performed at 6 months in 103 patients. In the treatment group 95 grafts were implanted in 48 patients, of which 87 were patent (91.6% patency rate). This figure compares with 88 grafts patent out of 118 implanted in 55 patients in the placebo group (74.6% patency rate) (p less than 0.01). We conclude that antiplatelet therapy improves the early patency of saphenous vein aorta-coronary bypass grafts.