Coronary Angioplasty and Stent Placement by a Single Operator Without the Assistance of a Second Interventional Cardiologist and Nurse

Traditionally, not only the use of several devices, but plain angioplasty is performed by at least two interventional cardiologists and one specialized nurse. The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of angioplasty with stent implantation by a single operator, without the assistance of a second interventional cardiologist or a nurse. A total of 153 patients participated. Angioplasty with stent implantation was performed in 151 consecutive patients. The angioplasty was performed by a single cardiologist in the presence of a backup operator. Angioplasty and stent placement were successful in 151 of 153 cases (success rate = 98.7%). No death occurred and no case of acute stent occlusion was observed. In no case was the backup operator called for assistance. In conclusion, angioplasty with stent placement by a single operator without the assistance of a second interventional cardiologist or a specialized nurse was feasible, effective and safe . (J Interven Cardiol 2000;3-6)     

Placement of Intracoronary Stents Mounted on "Over the Wire" Balloon Catheters Without Using Long Guidewires

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of placement of intracoronary stents mounted on "over the wire" balloon catheters without using long guidewires. Fifteen consecutive patients underwent GR II stent placement. Over the wire balloon catheters and short guidewires were used. The new method was successful in 14 of 15 cases. No complications were observed. This novel technique using a short (instead of long) guidewire to place intracoronary stents mounted on over the wire balloon catheters was successful, and more convenient. (J Interven Cardiol 2000; 13:27–30)