The technique of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Uses, abuses, training requirements, benefits, complications.

Like coronary artery bypass grafting, PTCA is used to manage multilesion and multivessel disease, new complete occlusions, and partial occlusions of saphenous vein or internal mammary artery grafts. PTCA is contraindicated for patients with a significant obstructive lesion in the left main coronary artery or with severe diffuse atherosclerosis. In determining whether this procedure provides the best treatment option, the risk of abrupt vessel closure, restenosis, MI, or incomplete revascularization must be considered. Guidelines for the performance of PTCA and physician and institutional responsibilities have been established; these guidelines must be regarded as necessary criteria for wide adoption.