[Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and intra-operative angioplasty]

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was reviewed with respect to its history, principles, indications and complications. We also reported our experiences with this technique. PTCA was useful in selected cases, but we encountered eight complications among 90 procedures; namely, coronary spasm, coronary dissection and recurrent stenosis. Since 1980 we have used this transluminal angioplasty for 16 patients during aorto-coronary bypass grafting surgery. We also discussed preliminary results in the use of this newly developed technique.