Since its introduction back in 1977 by Andreas Grüntzig in Zurich, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has taken a major place among myocardial revascularization techniques due to constant technical and pharmacological improvements. The introduction of metal stents, about 10 years after the first balloon catheters, has not only allowed the incidence of acute complications and delayed restenosis to be reduced, but the technique has since been applied to acute coronary syndrome patients. Owing to the development of drug-eluting stents a decade later, percutaneous coronary interventions have meanwhile been proven effective and reliable in coronary disease patients, as compared to surgery. This paper provides a brief review on these four last decades, pointing out the major stages and victories but also the doubts and difficulties inherent to these medical advances.
What is already known about the topic?
Coronary angioplasty has currently become part of the therapeutic arsenal for coronary patients.
What does this article bring up for us?
The article sums up the turbulent history of coronary angioplasty, from the pioneer days to the current successes.
Key Words
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, balloon catheter, stent