SYNTAX score
Also written as: SYNTAX — Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery
Angiographic scoring system used to assess the complexity of coronary artery disease and guide revascularization decisions.
Full Definition
The Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score is a comprehensive angiographic tool that quantifies the complexity and extent of coronary artery disease. The score incorporates lesion characteristics such as location, length, calcification, and bifurcation involvement to stratify patients into low (≤22), intermediate (23-32), or high (≥33) complexity categories. This scoring system helps determine the most appropriate revascularization strategy between percutaneous intervention and surgical bypass.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify whether referring to anatomical SYNTAX score or clinical SYNTAX score variants.
In Context
- "The SYNTAX score of 28 places this patient in the intermediate complexity category for surgical planning." — Heart team consultation note
- "A low SYNTAX score (≤22) supports percutaneous intervention as the preferred revascularization strategy." — Treatment recommendation report