The CDAC Study - Cerebral Dysfunction After Coronary Revascularization

Neurocognitive decline has long been suspected to be a potential long-term complication of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG), with reports of post-operative cognitive dysfunction by objective testing approaching 15-50% of patients in the year following surgery. To determine the true rate of long-term cognitive dysfunction following CABG compared to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI or coronary stent placement), we propose a multi-center, two-group, non-randomized study using computer-based customized neurocognitive testing (Cogsate), prior to the procedure and then at 30 days, 1-year and 2-years after revascularization to evaluate cognitive function vital for the maintenance and advancement of professional and personal activities. It is anticipated that the study will document a higher rate of cognitive dysfunction in the CABG group, that the landmark study will provide both the patient and physician with the information necessary to make an informed decision regarding the cognitive risks of CABG versus PCI when faced with the need for coronary revascularization, and that these results will change the clinical practice of recommending CABG as a primary revascularization option for those wishing to preserve cognitive function.