The seven stages of an idea

1 and 3 correspond to added value of TECAB and DES compared to classical CABG and PCI, respectively. 2 and 4 correspond to tradeoffs for those added values, respectively. The measurements of those added values and tradeoffs require PRCTs. Only PRCTs will tell if the decrease in restenosis justifies the increase in late failure/death in DES and if the decrease in complications justifies longer bypass times or lower patency rates in TECAB. At this point, this report³ can assess that efficacy is in the range of the expected values for CABG from STS on/off pump matched for indications (arbitrary zone of noninferiority is shaded).

TECAB procedural added value at a glance: 3 weeks postoperative status after 2 vessels arrested heart TECAB (A) and beating heart TECAB (redo in high-risk patient; B).