[Multivessel percutaneous coronary angioplasty].

Between August 1983 and October 1984, 44 patients (39 male and 5 female, mean age 53 years) underwent multivessel percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty involving 2 vessels in 37 (84%), 3 vessels in 4 (9%), 4 vessels in 1 (2%) and coronary artery bypass graft plus 1 or 2 vessels in 2 (5%). A mean of 2.2 vessels per patient were attempted. Dilatations of multiple stenoses in the same vessel were not included. Primary success was achieved in 87 of 97 vessels (90%) and in 37 of 44 (84%) patients. Primary success per patient was defined as primary success in all or at least in the strategic lesions associated with clinical improvement of the patient. Complications included one death (2%), emergency coronary artery bypass surgery in one (2%) and myocardial infarction in 2 (4%) patients. Five other patients underwent elective coronary artery bypass surgery. Recurrence of lesion was 14% (5/37 patients) during a follow-up period of 3 to 12 months. Repeat angioplasty was successful in 4 patients (80%) and unsuccessful in 1 patient who underwent elective surgery. It is concluded that, in selected cases, multivessel percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is a feasible alternative to coronary artery bypass surgery, with comparable risks. A satisfactory long-term amelioration without coronary artery surgery can be obtained in 2/3 of patients.