Percutaneous coronary rotational angioplasty in humans: preliminary report

Percutaneous coronary rotational angioplasty was attempted in 12 patients. The procedure was performed with a flexible rotating shaft with an abrasive tip, varying in diameter from 1.25 to 3.5 mm, tracking along a central guide wire. Among the 12 patients (mean age 58 years), 4 had a stenosis in the left anterior descending coronary artery and 8 a stenosis in the right coronary artery. After the guide wire crossed the stenosis, the abrasive tip was slowly advanced and several passes across the stenosis were made. The residual stenosis was measured with computerized automatic quantitative coronary angiography. Success was defined as a reduction of percent stenosis by greater than 20%. If residual stenosis remained significant (greater than 50%), the procedure was completed by balloon dilation. The device could not be inserted in 2 of the 12 patients. Five of the 10 patients underwent rotational angioplasty alone, and 5 had the procedure completed by balloon dilation. The stenosis was significantly enlarged from 0.56 +/- 0.31 mm to 1.26 +/- 0.28 mm. The outline of the vessel appeared smooth and regular. There were no complications related to the procedure and all patients were free of symptoms when discharged 2 to 3 days after the procedure. Thus, coronary rotational angioplasty is a simple and safe procedure allowing marked dilation of the narrowed segment. However, long-term follow-up is required for further evaluation.