Thirteen observational studies were included in the review (n=7,288 participants). No relevant RCTs were identified. Follow-up ranged from one to 10 years.
Compared with failed recanalisation, successful recanalisation was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.72; 13 studies), subsequent coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.27; 10 studies) and residual/recurrent angina (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.67; six studies).
There were no significant differences in myocardial infarction or major adverse cardiac events between the two groups. There was significant reduction in in-hosptial mortality after successful recanalisation (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.65; five studies).
Significant heterogeneity was observed only for outcomes of residual/recurrent angina (I2=65%) and major adverse cardiac events (I2=78%). Results of sensitivity analyses were not reported