A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating the effect of ticagrelor on saphenous vein graft patency in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting surgery-Rationale and design of the POPular CABG trial

摘要

Rationale An estimated 15% of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) occlude in the first year after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) despite aspirin therapy. Graft occlusion can result in symptoms, myocardial infarction, and death. SVG occlusion is primarily caused by atherothrombosis, in which platelet activation plays a pivotal role. Evidence regarding the effect of stronger platelet inhibition on SVG potency after CABG is limited. The main objective of the POPular CABG trial is to determine whether dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus ticagrelor improves SVG patency when compared to aspirin alone.