[Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty]

Since its first application in a patient, PTCA has undergone a tremendous evolution: Based on growing experience and due to technical developments, indications have been markedly extended. Despite the fact that PTCA has been used in more risky situations, the primary success rate has risen and the rate of severe complications has dropped. This evolution is shown based on the Basel experience and on data from Switzerland. The problem of restenosis, however, has not been solved and remains the main problem to be looked for during follow-up of these patients.