Practice of Coronary Angioplasty

After 7 years of clinical use, percutaneous transluminal coronary angio- plasty (PTCA) has now found worldwide acceptance, and its basic techniques are well standardized. A growing number of invasive cardi- ologists are acquainting themselves with the procedure in order to be in a position to offer new therapeutic options to their patients. However, the transition from the diagnostic to the therapeutic intervention is not always easily accomplished. Certain prerequisites concerning technique, the physician, technical equipment, and program organization are necessary for safe and effective performance. The consequences of unsuccessful coronary angioplasty range from waste of time and money to severe complications for the patient; the decision to perform PTCA needs to be based on sound indications and techniques according to the best current scientific evidence. Techniques and technology for coronary angioplasty continue to evolve. Scientific evidence of its short-and long-term value continues to accumulate, and applications of the procedure are still being extended. This volume is obviously no substitute for well-guided hands-on experience with the procedure; it is intended rather to present current policies of patient selection and patient management; to describe standard techniques (femoral and brachial approaches) and potential applications; to point out problem areas and limitations of the proce- dure; and to provide tips that may be useful even for the more experienced angioplasty operator.