Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) trial

The SYNTAX trial compared two treatment options for people with complex narrowing or blockages in their heart arteries: a less invasive procedure called PCI with a medication-coated stent (TAXUS) and traditional open-heart surgery (CABG). The study aimed to determine which approach was more effective and safer. Results showed that for simpler cases, PCI was generally comparable to surgery, but for more complicated cases, surgery often led to better long-term outcomes. This trial helps doctors choose the most appropriate treatment based on the severity and complexity of a patient's coronary artery disease.