Salvage angioplasty: an alternative to high risk surgery for unstable angina?

This prospective, Human Subjects Committee and Ethics Committee approved investigation was performed to determine if coronary angioplasty (PTCA) might be a reasonable alternative revascularization method for unstable angina patients thought to be at high risk for operative (CABG) mortality. Between March 1990 and October 1991, thirty-four consecutive patients with medically refractory rest angina were deamed to have high risk of surgical mortality and underwent PTCA without surgical backup. Predicted operative mortality was calculated for each patient based upon the VA Surgical Risk Assessment model. Angioplasty of 52 vessels was attempted. Reduction in lumenal narrowing to < 50% and improved angiographic flow was obtained in 47 vessels. There were four complicating infarctions. One death occurred in the lab, and three patients with unsuccessful angioplasty died within 30 days of pump failure. Relief of angina occurred in 30/34. Thirty patients were discharged home. In follow-up from 1 to 12 months, there have been 2 late sudden deaths at 4 months and 9 months, 1 death from lung cancer; 4 patients have stable exertional angina; 2 are awaiting heart transplant but are pain free, and one patient who had PTCA during cardiogenic shock from acute myocardial infarction had elective coronary artery bypass surgery. There have been no late myocardial infarctions. The observed angioplasty 30-day mortality of 11.8% (95% confidence limit 1% to 22.6%) compares favorably with the predicted operative mortality of 23.8% for this group. This prospective but non-randomized series supports the concept that balloon angioplasty may be a reasonable alternative to surgical intervention in some patients with unstable angina and high risk for surgery. A prospective randomized trial is warranted.