[Transluminal coronary angioplasty 1977-1985. Experience with 1000 interventions]

Transluminal coronary angioplasty (TCA) was introduced in 1977 for dilatation of coronary stenoses. From October 1977 to December 1984 1087 procedures have been performed in Frankfurt. The mean success rate was 77% with an increase from 58% to 84% since 1977. Recurrences were seen within the first year in 15% of the patients, which could be treated successfully in a high percentage with a second TCA. Emergency bypass operations were necessary in 5.2%. Four patients (fatality rate 0.37%) died as consequence of the intervention. Within few years TCA has become an established procedure for myocardial revascularisation, with a high success rate. Major progress has been possible in the last few years due to technical developments, which are still going on. They may lead to further improvement of the results and enlargement of the indication for TCA.