Immediate and Late Results of Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is intimately linked with the name of CT Dotter [1]. In the late 1960s we introduced with good results our caged balloon (to treat occlusions of pelvic and lower extremity arteries) [5]. The development of newer types of catheter by Dr. Gruntzig has resulted in a major breakthrough and the present significance of PTA [3]. He was the first to dilate a coronary stenosis successfully [2]. Although more than a thousand patients worldwide have so far been treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), it is still a method that must be used with great caution if it is not going to fall into disrepute [4,6]. Only a prolonged period of objective analysis of all results will allow us do define more clearly its indications and contraindications. During the last 2 1/2 years we have applied PTCA only 40 times. We have selected patients who would otherwise have had to undergo bypass procedures.