Effect of angiographic and hemodynamic results of coronary balloon angioplasty on late angiographic outcome.

A small residual stenosis and a low residual translesional pressure gradient after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) are thought to be associated with lower rates of restenosis. However, these two posprocedure parameters have not been studied simultaneously in relation to late angiographic outcome. Restudy angiograms after successful single-vessel and single-lesion PTCA were performed in 1261 patients, who were divided into three groups according to final residual stenosis: group 1, 0% to 19%, group 2, 20% to 34%, and group 3, 35% to 49%. This study population also was divided into two groups by final residual pressure gradient: < or = 17 and > or = 18 mm Hg. Luminal patency at restudy and restenosis rates by these definitions were studied. By the definition of > or = 50% stenosis at restudy, group 1 had the lowest restenosis rate, and group 3 had the highest. By the definition of an increase of > or = 30% stenosis compared with the immediate post-PTCA result, group 1 had the highest restenosis rate, and group 3 had the lowest. Although it had the greatest loss of luminal diameter over the follow-up period, group 1 maintained the greatest luminal patency at restudy. A residual pressure gradient < or = 17 mm Hg was associated with lower restenosis rate regardless of the definition used. Despite greater loss of luminal diameter over the follow-up period, optimal postprocedure angiographic results may result in better long-term luminal patency. Transluminal pressure gradient is more predictive of late angiographic results regardless of the definition used. Further studies, with hemodynamic measurements, may reveal potential clinical implications.