ABSTRACT
In the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) a “hybrid” approach is one that combines percutaneous revascularization methodology historically only available in the catheterization laboratory with state-of-the-art surgical techniques traditionally only available in the operating room. This combination offers CAD patients the best possible therapeutic option for any given set of cardiovascular lesions (1). Hybrid treatments for CAD are currently in use in several cardiac centers throughout the world with ongoing investigations being performed in an effort to determine safety, effi cacy, and cost effectiveness (1-4). Currently, several questions remain in terms of optimal methodology, logistics, and timing of the various stages of hybrid procedures, and whether indeed the hybrid approach imparts both a clinical and economic advantage to both the patient and the hospital (5).
