Objective: To evaluate the initial experience with the use of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in the set of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Methods: Between October 1993 and April 1996, PTCA was performed in 43 patients (34 male, 9 female) with initial onset of AMI. These patients ranged in age from 40 to 74 years (mean +/- SD, 60.3 3 +/- 9.2). Primary PTCA was performed in 16, rescue PTCA in 8, and semi-elective PTCA in 19 patients.
Results: The initial success was achieved in 95.3% (41/ 43). Failed angioplasty occurred in 2 patients, with acute reocclusion after rescue PTCA (this patient died of cerebral stroke 3 days later) in one patient, and small local intimal dissection during semi-elective PTCA in another patient.
Conclusion: PTCA was a safe and effective approach in the treatment of AMI in the present study patients, with a high primary success and low acute complication rate.