Conventional coronary angioplasty

Coronary angioplasty has come a long way since its inception 16 years ago. Although several new devices have shown promise, none, with the exception of the stent, has significantly changed results, and the "simple" balloon remains the backbone of coronary angioplasty. Increased operator experience and advanced guidewire and balloon technology have expanded indications for the procedure to include multivessel angioplasty, angioplasty of chronic occlusions and grafts, angioplasty in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, and supported, high-risk angioplasty. However, single-vessel angioplasty remains by far the most common form of this procedure. Restenosis continues to be an unsolved problem. Results of several trials comparing angioplasty and surgery are expected soon, but they will not answer the question of which method of revascularization is best for the individual patient.