ACUTE CORONARY-OCCLUSION AFTER PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL ANGIOPLASTY OF THE RIGHT CORONARY-ARTERY

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of the right coronary artery (RCA), especially the proximal segment, has been reported to be a risk factor for acute coronary occlusion,1,2 a point that has not been confirmed in more recent studies.3 While intimal dissection at the site of dilatation seems to be the predominant mechanism, coronary thrombosis, embolization to distal segments, wall perforation or spasm can also lead to this major complication.4,5 Certainly, improved operator experience and equipment have contributed to the decrease in acute coronary occlusion; yet it remains the major cause for morbidity and mortality associated with PTCA.6 This study evaluates angiographic causes of acute occlusion for single-artery, single-stenosis PTCA of each of the 3 major coronary arteries to obtain a better idea of any inherent risks associated with RCA angioplasty. © 1990.