Coronary angioplasty. Results observed in 14 cases
De la Llata Romero, M.; Hernández, J.G.; Silva Oropeza, E.
Archivos del Instituto de Cardiologia de Mexico 59(5): 481-486
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-3785 PMID: 2604489 Document Number: 339521
Between December, 1985, and May, 1988 we have performed coronary angioplasty of 14 lesions in 12 patients. Before angioplasty 8 patients had a history of unstable angina, and 3 developed angina after streptokinase because of an acute myocardial infarction. We attempted angioplasty of 11 proximal and 3 distal lesions; these included a coronary bypass graft lesion, and 3 lesions in one vessel. We successfully dilated 12 lesions (85%). The coronary stenosis was reduced on average from 84.2 +/- 9 to 17.5 +/- 7 per cent (P less than 0.0001); and the pressure gradient was reduced from 74 +/- 16.25 to 18.3 +/- 9 mmHg (P less than 0.001). Procedure-related complications included: coronary occlusion in 4 patients (28.5%) that were successfully resolved during angioplasty in 3 patients, but one developed myocardial infarction (8.3%); and one urgent surgery and death in a patient with 3 vessel disease. Twelve patients (83%) with no evidence of myocardial ischemia returned to their normal activities. These initial data confirm coronary angioplasty as a safe, efficatious and successful alternative in the management of selected patients with coronary artery disease.