Outcome in patients with recurrent restenosis after percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty

The records of 1162 consecutive patients undergoing their first percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty at a centre between March 1980 and June 1987 were reviewed. Initial angioplasty was successful in 1011 patients (87%). In 202 (20%) symptomatic restenosis developed. Of these, 196 were treated with redilatation; this was successful in 181 (92%). After a second dilatation, restenosis developed in 47 patients (26%). Of these, 41 (87%) were treated with a third angioplasty, with primary success in 38 (93%). A further restenosis developed in 13 of these 38 patients (34%). Eight patients were treated with a fourth angioplasty with restenosis in four (50%). Two of these four patients underwent a fifth angioplasty (with continuing success at long term follow up in both). Overall, 14 of the 47 (30%) patients who developed restenosis twice were eventually treated with coronary bypass surgery. Most patients (33), however, were treated only with repeated angioplasties. Of these 33 patients, 27 were treated with a third angioplasty, four with a fourth procedure, and two with a fifth. Twenty-nine (88%) were symptom free at a mean follow up of 28 (range 8 to 86) months. The combined success rate for a third, fourth, and fifth angioplasty was 94%. These data suggest that most patients with recurrent restenosis after angioplasty may be managed successfully and safely with repeated redilatations.