ACC Updates Appropriate Use Criteria for Coronary RevascularizationMarc Gerdisch

Introduction• Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Dr. Marc Gerdisch is a thoracic

and cardiac surgeon affiliated with several hospitals, including Loyola University Medical Center. In practice for more than 20 years and having performed approximately 5,000 heart surgeries, Dr. Marc Gerdisch is a member of the American College of Cardiology (ACC). 

Proper medical care requires patients to discuss with their practitioners appropriate treatment options available before deciding the best path to take. In light of this, ACC, in partnership with the American Association of Thoracic Surgery, the American Heart Association, and other organizations, released an update on the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for performing coronary revascularization on patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). 

American College of Cardiology• The updated AUC includes scenarios mimicking actual

patient presentations encountered in every-day medical practice. It also includes information on symptoms, clinical instability, risk levels assessed from noninvasive testing, prior reperfusion therapy, and coronary anatomy. In each of the clinical scenarios, the update indicates whether revascularization will be necessary, may be necessary, or is not necessary. 

A benchmark to help doctors evaluate clinical therapies, the AUC update will also be used to inform patients of the appropriate treatment options for their conditions. The update, however, is only a clinical guide and every case should be looked at on a personal basis.