Balloon Angioplasty in Acute and Chronic Coronary Artery Disease
- David R. Holmes, Jr, MD;
- Ronald E. Vlietstra, MB, ChB
Abstract
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty has grown exponentially since its introduction. Currently, selection criteria include single-vessel and multivessel disease, stable and unstable angina, and acute infarction. The outcome depends on specific patient and angiographic characteristics. In ideal lesions, success rates should be greater than 90%, with low morbidity and mortality. With more severe and diffuse multivessel disease, success rates are lower and complication rates are higher. In these cases, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty still offers a reasonable option, provided complete revascularization can be achieved or the angina-producing lesion dilated. Numerous issues remain unresolved, including (1) the role of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty vs coronary surgery (currently being tested), (2) restenosis, which occurs in approximately 30% of treated lesions, and (3) organizational adjustments such as training and certification to maintain high standards of care.
(JAMA. 1989;261:2109-2115)
Footnotes
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This article is one of a series sponsored by the American Heart Association.
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Reprint requests to Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 (Dr Holmes).
