Recanalization of occluded coronary arteries with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
Andersen, P.E.; Thayssen, P.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 156(47): 7039-7043
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 7817412 Document Number: 428366
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was attempted in 56 totally occluded coronary arteries. The occlusions were estimated to be between two weeks to six months old, less than 4 cm long and accessible to PTCA. Primary technical success was achieved in 40 cases (71%) with best results if the time from AMI to PTCA was less than six months. Twenty-six patients were without recurrence in the follow-up period which was longer than six months. In the follow-up period eight patients had re-PTCA performed and six had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). There were significantly more patients in the group of failed PTCA who had CABG than in the group of successful PTCA. At clinical follow-up examination 23 patients (41%) were free of symptoms and seven (13%) had less pain than before PTCA. One patient died in heart failure (mortality 1.8%) within 24 hours after failed PTCA. PTCA of totally chronically occluded coronary arteries is a method with acceptable good primary success, especially if the occlusion is not too old. There is a good symptomatic effect if the PTCA is successful. The procedure reduces the need for CABG and is associated with few complications in stable angina pectoris. PTCA is cheaper and less traumatic for the patients and with much shorter recovery period compared to CABG. PTCA is considered indicated in total chronic occlusions in selected cases.