New devices for coronary revascularization.

A variety of instruments, including atherectomy catheters, intra-arterial stents, and lasers, have been developed in order to outdo balloon angioplasty with regard to procedural success, complications, and restenosis. Controlled trials are needed to assess the newcomers, but it is likely that each type of device will find its own clinical niche rather than supersede the others.