Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in New York State was performed for indications rated as appropriate in 58% of cases, uncertain in 38%, and inappropriate in 4%.
Observational (n=1,306)
Yes
In 1990, only 4% of PTCAs in New York State were performed for inappropriate indications, but a substantial 38% were performed for uncertain indications, highlighting a need for further clinical justification.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the appropriateness of use of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in New York State. DESIGN: Retrospective randomized medical record. SETTING: Fifteen randomly selected hospitals in New York State that provide PTCA. PATIENTS: Random sample of 1306 patients undergoing PTCA in New York State in 1990. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage of patients who underwent PTCA for indications rated appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate. RESULTS: The majority of patients received PTCA for chronic stable angina, unstable angina, and in the post-myocardial infarction period (up to 3 weeks). Fifty-eight percent of PTCAs were rated appropriate; 38%, uncertain; and 4%, inappropriate. The inappropriate rate varied by hospital from 1% to 9% (P = .12); the uncertain rate, from 26% to 50% (P = .02); and the combined inappropriate and uncertain rate, from 29% to 57% (P < .001). There was no difference in appropriateness when the institutions were grouped by volume (fewer than 300 procedures annually or at least 300 procedures annually), location (upstate vs downstate), or by teaching status. CONCLUSIONS: Few PTCAs were performed for inappropriate indications in New York State. However, the large number of procedures performed for indications that were rated uncertain as to their net benefit requires further study and justification at both clinical and policy levels.
Lee H. Hilborne (1993) conducted an observational in Coronary artery disease requiring PTCA (n=1,306). Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was evaluated on Percentage of patients who underwent PTCA for indications rated appropriate, uncertain, and inappropriate. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in New York State was performed for indications rated as appropriate in 58% of cases, uncertain in 38%, and inappropriate in 4%.