Factors predictive of early angiographic and functional success following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Baseline variables in 300 coronary angioplasty procedures were analysed to identify factors predictive of a successful outcome. Separate multivariate analyses distinguished between predictors of primary angiographic success and functional success as determined by the results of predischarge treadmill stress electrocardiography. Three independent predictors of primary angiographic success were identified: number of balloon inflations per procedure, initial stenosis, and operator experience. Of these, the number of balloon inflations per procedure and operator experience were also predictive of functional success, reflecting the dependence of a good functional result on a successful procedure. Other independent predictors of functional success were the severity of the residual stenosis and single vessel coronary artery disease suggesting that adequacy of revascularization is an important determinant of the functional result. These data illustrate the interaction between clinical, angiographic and functional variables in determining the success of PTCA. A good angiographic result may not translate into a good functional result if revascularization is incomplete.