Early experience with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in unstable angina

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was done in 13 of 105 patients with unstable angina, 10 of whom were males. Diagnostic coronary angiography revealed single vessel disease in 10 cases and two vessel disease in 3 cases; the degree of stenosis varied from 70-90%. Only a single major coronary artery was dilated. Immediate angiographic success was achieved in 12(92.3%) cases. The success rate at the time of discharge from hospital was 10 (76.9%) cases. Immediate complications encountered were acute myocardial infarction in 2 cases, they refused coronary artery bypass grafting and unsuccessful dilation in 1 case. No death occurred during the hospital stay. During follow-up of 6-9 months, 8 patients were symptom free (66.6%), 2 patients required repeat percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and 2 patients died. In conclusion, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty may be undertaken relatively safely in unstable angina, it leads to substantial improvement in symptoms during the early follow-up period. This therapeutic approach is highly beneficial particularly in single vessel disease.