Intra-coronary stents--extending the role of angioplasty in angina--initial experience

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is a widely successful revascularisation procedure. The restenosis rate has not significantly improved, despite the addition of many therapeutic agents. We describe the role of intra-coronary stents in the management of recurrent occlusion, restenosis and intracoronary dissection. We describe and discuss the problems associated with placement of the stent. The intracoronary stent has a successful adjuvant role to play with angioplasty in reducing both the elective and emergency requirements for coronary artery bypass grafting.