COURAGE Trial

Summary: Evaluated percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using bare metal stents versus optimal medical therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease or Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class IV anginal symptoms. The primary endpoint of composite all-cause mortality and nonfatal MI was not different in the two groups. There was no difference in hospitalization for acute coronary syndromes. PCI resulted in better symptom relief compared to medical therapy at 24 months, however this disappeared at 36 months likely from progression of the coronary disease. PCI was not found to be cost-effective compared to medical therapy.

Original Publication:

N Engl J Med. 2007 Apr 12;356(15):1503-16.

N Engl J Med. 2008 Aug 14;359(7):677-87.

Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes. 2008 Sep;1(1):12-20.

Eponym: Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and AGgressive Drug Evaluation Trial