Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction.

Although bypass surgery can be utilized in the patient with impaired left ventricular function, the acute outcome (regarding morbidity and mortality) and long-term survival have significant associated problems. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was implemented effectively as an accessory or alternative to coronary bypass surgery to treat obliterative coronary lesions in patients with severe ventricular dysfunction. The authors present data which indicate that PTCA should be considered in patients with left ventricular dysfunction as a primary therapeutic modality.