Qualitative evaluation of antegrade percutaneous transluminal angioplasty by pressure waveform parameters

When percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is performed in an antegrade ("downstream") direction, intraluminal gradient measurements across the stenotic segment are not possible. Pressures recorded proximal to the lesion were evaluated for possible hemodynamic clues of changes in flow in ten consecutive patients before and after PTA. In all patients in whom the procedure was successful, the systolic pressure decreased by an average of 35 mm Hg. This decrease was not evident in the failed procedures. It is concluded that proximally recorded pressure changes can be used as an objective criterion to assess the success of PTA performed in arteries.