Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty and Intracoronary Thrombolysis

This book compiles insights from the Fourth International Symposium on coronary heart disease, focusing on angioplasty and thrombolysis advancements.

This volume presents the proceedings from the Fourth International Symposium on Coronary Heart Disease, which took place in Frankfurt, Germany. Since its inception in 1970, the symposium has evolved significantly, reflecting the growing interest in coronary heart disease. Initially covering a broad spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic measures, the fourth symposium focused exclusively on two key therapeutic approaches: angioplasty and intracoronary thrombolysis. This shift underscores the advancements and importance of these treatments in contemporary cardiology.

Notably, European cardiologists such as Andreas Gruntzig and Peter Rentrop have played crucial roles in enhancing the applicability of these therapeutic methods. When angioplasty was first introduced at the Third International Symposium held in Stuttgart in 1978, it was met with astonishment. Fast forward to today, and angioplasty has become a vital treatment option for angina pectoris, with an estimated 10% of candidates for coronary surgery now being eligible for this less invasive procedure. In certain patient subgroups, this percentage is even higher.

The findings from five years of experience with angioplasty reveal remarkably positive long-term outcomes. Although recurrences occur in approximately 15%-20% of cases within the first three months, they become infrequent thereafter, largely due to the progression of the disease at different locations. This volume, Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty and Intracoronary Thrombolysis, not only captures the latest advancements but also enhances our understanding of the dynamics of the atherosclerotic process.