PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY THROUGH 5 FRENCH DIAGNOSTIC CATHETERS

In 130 patients, coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with fixed wire balloons through 5 French (F) diagnostic catheters was performed immediately fo llowing diagnostic coronary angiography. Patients with complex lesions or in whom the need for alternative devices was likely such as stents were excluded. A total of 151 lesions were attempted. Primary success with 5F systems was achieved in 92% of lesions. In 7 cases, the 5F sy stem failed to cross the stenosis and a change to a larger guiding cat heter was necessary. Of these 7 cases, 6 could be dilated successfully with 6 or 7F systems. In one patient in whom the fixed wire balloon w as not able to cross a subtotal stenosis of an obtuse marginal branch through the 5F catheter, a Monorail system through a 6F guiding cathet er failed as well. The overall technical success rate was 96%. Cardiac complications occurred in 2% of patients (3 patients with Q wave myoc ardial infarction). Two other patients (1.5%) with suboptimal PTCA res ults, underwent bypass surgery. PTCA through small diagnostic catheter s is a valid alternative technique in selected patients. It is safe an d leads to high success rates. Advantages of this technique include 1) less peripheral and coronary trauma, 2) enhanced patient comfort, 3) economical advantages.