A Japanese survey on first attempts of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Experiences of the initial application of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in Japan performed during 1980-1981 at the multicenter level were analyzed. A survey in 72 cases which were collected from 12 centers showed an overall success rate of 64.7%, unimproved stenotic lesions in 8.1% and unpassable lesions in 24.3% of the cases. Complications were death of the patient in 2(2.8%), acute myocardial infarction in 6(8.3%) and dissection of the coronary artery in 3 cases (4.2%). Aortocoronary bypass graft surgery was performed in 8 cases (11.1%).