Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty: the early Dunedin experience
Ilsley, C.; Wilkins, G.; Amarasingham, R.; Restieaux, N.; Ablett, M.
New Zealand Medical Journal 98(772): 47-49
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 3156288 Document Number: 251944
Since May 1981 39 men and 11 women (mean age 55 years) have undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty at Dunedin Hospital. Angioplasty was performed in 34 (68%) patients with stable angina, 13 (26%) with unstable angina and in three (6%) patients with acute myocardial infarction. Primary success (reduction in angiographic stenosis without associated myocardial infarction or emergency coronary bypass) was achieved in 77% of those patients with single vessel coronary disease (27 of 35 procedures) and of 62% in those patients with multiple vessel disease (16 of 26 procedures). Successful angioplasty was obtained in 81% (25/31) of those patients with anterior descending disease, 67% (4/6) of those with circumflex disease and 58% 14/24) of patients with right coronary disease. Thirty-four patients (68%) following successful angioplasty were rendered asymptomatic. Five (10%) underwent emergency coronary bypass grafting and one of these patients died. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is a useful alternative to coronary artery bypass surgery and may be performed in a majority of patients with symptomatic single vessel coronary artery disease and in selected individuals with multiple vessel coronary disease.