Platelet Inhibitors in Coronary-Artery Bypass Operations

To the Editor: Chesebro et al. report improved graft patency with the use of platelet-inhibitor drugs before surgery (July 8 issue).¹ We reported a year ago the very similar results of a prospective randomized study of the use of systemic anticoagulation started early (i.e., six hours) after surgery.² Although our study design was somewhat different from that of Chesebro et al., we also came to the conclusion that the early use of anticoagulation was probably crucial for a beneficial effect on graft patency. In contrast to the statement of Chesebro et al. in reference to our study, we did.