Repeat balloon coronary angioplasty for symptomatic restenosis: A note of caution

Of 694 patients in whom percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was attempted for palliation of symptomatic coronary artery disease, 74 subsequently underwent a repeat procedure because of symptomatic restenosis. The repeat dilatation was successful in 55 patients (74%). The primary success rate and the incidence of major complications were similar for initial and repeat procedures. Complications of the repeat procedure included major dissection (14%), acute occlusion (7%) and emergency coronary bypass surgery (12%). After a mean follow-up period of 113 weeks (range, 15-309 weeks), 33 patients (60%) were asymptomatic; angina recurred in 22 (40%). In our hands, the success rate, complication rate, and long-term results of repeat percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty were similar to those associated with the initial procedure.