Coronary artery incision and dilation

Coronary artery stenosis and obstruction has recently been attacked by balloon dilation. Only a small percentage of patients are candidates for this procedure. Animal experiments were designed to extend the applicability of this technique. Stenosis was made by placing an intraluminal suture. This was then overcome by slicing the artery longitudinally and then dilating it. Ten animals demonstrated the feasibility of this concept when studied by injection, x-ray films, and microscopy.