Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: short- and long-term results

We reviewed the results of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 200 consecutive patients from January 1988 to January 1989. The mean age was 55.8 years. Twenty-two per cent had unstable angina, 66% had stable angina and the other 12% had atypical chest pain or were asymptomatic after a myocardial infarction. Five percent had left ventricular function less than 45%. The angioplasty procedure was angiographically successful in 184 patients (92%). There was no significant difference in success rate in the different vessels or indications. Coronary bypass surgery was required in 3% of patients as an emergency procedure; myocardial infarction occurred in 2% less than 24 hours after the procedure. There has been no in-hospital death. The recurrence rate of ischemic symptoms was 26.5%. Considering lesions treatment, the procedure was successful in 71% of the 200 patients over a long-term follow-up period.