Coronary and circulatory support strategies for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in high-risk patients.

PTCA is now applied to patients with unstable acute ischemic syndromes, severe multivessel coronary artery disease, and impaired left ventricular function. To minimize the risk during angioplasty, several coronary and systemic circulation support approaches have been developed as adjuncts to high-risk angioplasty. Local coronary support techniques include the perfusion balloon catheter, the coronary stent, directional coronary atherectomy, laser balloon angioplasty, perfluorocarbon coronary perfusion, coronary sinus retroperfusion, and distal coronary hemoperfusion. Systemic circulatory support includes intraaortic balloon counterpulsation, cardiopulmonary support, the hemopump, and left heart partial bypass. These support devices, while associated with significant complications, may ultimately improve the safety of coronary angioplasty and allow its application to those who would otherwise not be candidates for revascularization.