[Catheter therapy of coronary disease].

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with balloon catheters is a well established invasive treatment for coronary artery disease. The high frequency of restenosis has promoted the development of new catheters, with different techniques for removing the plaques from the coronary arteries. Until now the rate of restenosis using balloon angioplasty and new atherectomy catheters has not declined. Our experience of these techniques is discussed and compared with the experiences described in the literature. The use of stents seems to be a major step forward, leading to fewer restenoses and emergency bypass operations.