Indications for transluminal coronary angioplasty

During the 7 years that have followed the introduction of transluminal coronary angioplasty, the indications for this therapeutic, nonoperative procedure have changed from very strict angiographic and clinical criteria to much broader ones. This evolution has occurred because of the technical capabilities of the equipment that is currently available and because of the attractiveness of this nonoperative procedure, which is effective in reducing coronary arterial obstructions. Although there are current studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the improved techniques for dealing with a larger range of angiographic obstruction, few, if any, clinical studies are currently available that support the widespread use of this technique in patients with clinical syndromes such as new-onset angina, asymptomatic exercise test abnormalities, high-grade stenosis after thrombolysis, etc. As the current indications increase, clinical studies establishing the efficacy of this therapeutic procedure are indicated.