Preliminary results achieved by a computer-assisted system for controlled balloon dilatation of coronary and...

In percutaneous balloon angioplasty the extent of trauma to the vessel as determined by slope of balloon inflation, peak pressure, and inflation time is crucial to the success of the intervention. These parameters are still not standardized and hence open to the operator. To elucidate this problem, a computer-assisted PTCA system (CAPS) was developed. CAPS is composed of a motor driven unit, a central processing and power unit, and a notebook. A syringe is clamped onto the motor unit and connected to a pressure gauge. CAPS may be linked to all types of balloon catheters. The notebook allows for preselection of peak pressure, slope of pressure increase, and inflation time. During balloon inflation, adjustments are made in a closed-loop system. On a screen, the inflation process is supervised in digital numbers and analogous curves. After the procedure, patient data and inflation curves may be recalled for analysis. In conclusion, CAPS by controlled inflation theoretically may reduce the mechanical trauma to the arteries. Further refinements should aim at gaining information on the lesions' characteristics and on the dilatation process itself.