Percutaneous coronary intervention: current perspective

More than 20 years have passed since percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was introduced for the treatment of coronary artery disease. During the first decade, PTCA outcome had improved significantly. However, acute occlusive complications and restenosis remained as significant limitations of the procedure. During the second decade, new procedures, such as stents and atherectomy (directional coronary atherectomy, and Rotablator) had been introduced and had a significant impact on the outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In addition to the improvements in the equipment, the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors to prevent platelet aggregation has reduced procedure-related complications. PCI continues to evolve with new developments such as distal protection devices to prevent distal embolism, brachytherapy and drug-eluting stents to prevent restenosis. These new technologies may play a significant role in expanding the applications of PCI in the future.