LONG-TERM RESULTS OF CORONARY BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY

Long-term results after coronary balloon angioplasty are characterized by an eventful early period up to six months, with about a 30% recurrence rate per lesion, and by a stable situation thereafter. Myocardial infarction due to the dilated site is extremely rare during follow-up because the smooth, elastic, inner lining of a restenosis is much less prone to thrombosis than the initial plaque. A positive effect of coronary angioplasty on survival has not been documented, but there is clear functional improvement over the natural course of the untreated disorder. The improvement is comparable to that attained by bypass surgery if repeat angioplasty during the first months is considered as part of the procedure rather than as proof of failure.