Reply by the Authors of the Original Article

Focusing on Patient Subcategories: When Could We Expect a Suboptimal Late Result after Coronary Endarterectomy?

Thank you for your remarks. We read with interest your recently published study and agree that your results corroborate our findings with regard to the effect of single versus double antiplatelet therapy. Unfortunately, due to sample size and study design limitations, we were unable to assess the effect of different risk factors on patient survival. Nevertheless, we agree with your comment regarding the fact that both cardiac and noncardiac causes need to be taken into consideration before deciding on the best revascularization strategy, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, age, and other risk factors. Your findings highlight the fact that treatment decisions in complicated patient populations need to be tailored to the specific patient. Further assessment of prognostic factors to improve treatment strategy in this population is of utmost importance.