Equipment choices, technical aspects and pitfalls of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

Previously published papers on percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) have emphasized results rather than techniques. This review deals with equipment choices, technical aspects and pitfalls observed during the first 200 PTAs at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Specific topics discussed include: (1) catheters kept in stock in the laboratory, (2) choice of approach and entry into the artery, (3) techniques for crossing stenoses, (4) dilatation of the lesion, (5) drugs used during the procedure, and (6) proper performance and interpretation of the postangioplasty arteriogram.