Certain aspects of patient management are common with conventional balloon angioplasty and newer coronary artery interventions. These aspects include the evaluation of chest pain or treatment of acute vessel closure shortly after the intervention, management of the vascular access site (especially if complications occur), prevention and treatment of contrast-induced renal dysfunction, and the use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents after the procedure. However, some aspects of management vary among techniques. Several different drug therapies are indicated after these procedures, but pharmacologic therapy for restenosis has been largely unsuccessful. Placement of an intracoronary stent decreases the frequency of restenosis and subsequent revascularization procedures, and functional testing may be of value in some patients after coronary artery interventions. It is important for the specialist in internal medicine to have a firm working knowledge of the various aspects of care that are required because their role in management is increasing., Management of the patient and of possible complications following treatment of coronary artery disease is an important aspect of these patientAs care. Coronary artery disease is often treated with balloon angioplasty, a technique to open clogged arteries. Two of the most common complications include acute vessel closure and restenosis, or re-narrowing of the artery. Treatment with anti-clotting drugs, aspirin, and the use of coronary stents, or implants to keep the vessel open, have been shown to reduce these complications. Contrast dyes and X-ray imaging are often used in conjunction with angioplasty and can have serious health effects.