The EXCEL Trial

The EXCEL Trial was a large medical study comparing two common procedures—coronary artery bypass surgery and a less invasive technique called drug-eluting stents—for treating multivessel coronary artery disease. Researchers aimed to see which method led to better outcomes in terms of survival, heart attacks, or the need for future procedures. The trial found that, after five years, both treatments were similarly effective in preventing death and major heart problems, especially in patients with less complex artery disease. This study helps doctors make informed decisions about the best treatment options for patients with this condition.