Coronary Angioplasty in Early Post-Infarction Angina

Coronary angioplasty was performed in 23 patients in whom within 10 days after acute myocardial infarction severe angina recurred despite continuing maximal pharmacological therapy. Initial success was achieved in 83% (19 of 23 patients). In three of the four failures bypass surgery was carried out as an emergency. There were no deaths, but myocardial infarction was a complication in 13% (three of 23 patients). At 6 months follow-up angina had recurred in 32% (6 of 19 patients) despite initial successful angioplasty. In 16 of the 19 patients, angiography was repeated and restenosis was seen in 31%, 5 of 16 patients, all of whom had recurrent symptoms. We conclude that, while coronary angioplasty is an effective initial therapy for selected patients with early post-infarction angina, its exact long-term value remains to be decided.