BYPASS CTCA 2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Multi-Centre, Randomised Trial Assessing The Value Of Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography Prior To Invasive Coronary Angiography In Patients With Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts In Reducing Cardiac Events
IRAS ID
341412
Contact name
Daniel Anthony Jones
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Many people who have previously undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery later develop angina (chest pain) again when the bypass grafts become narrowed or blocked. The standard test to investigate this is an invasive coronary angiogram, which involves inserting tubes into the arteries and injecting dye. Although effective, this procedure can be longer and riskier in post-CABG patients, with higher chances of kidney injury and radiation exposure.
A CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) is a non-invasive scan that can show whether bypass grafts or heart arteries are blocked, without inserting tubes or using as much dye. A previous study (BYPASS-CTCA) found that doing a CT scan before an invasive angiogram helped plan the procedure and made it safer and more comfortable. However, it is not yet known whether using CTCA to guide treatment decisions can reduce the need for invasive procedures and improve long-term outcomes.
This study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), will run for three years and include 1,000 patients who develop angina or a heart attack after CABG surgery. Participants will be randomly allocated to either:
• Have a CTCA scan first, with further treatment based on the result; or
• Receive standard care, which usually involves proceeding directly to invasive angiography.All patients will continue to receive appropriate treatment, including angiography where required. Researchers will compare heart attacks, strokes, deaths, and hospital admissions between the two groups and assess quality of life and cost-effectiveness.
Results will be shared in medical journals and made publicly accessible. The aim is to improve care for people who have previously had CABG surgery.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/EM/0016
Date of REC Opinion
26 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion