Evolution of interventions for complex coronary lesions

Abstract

The exponential growth of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has in large part been due to expansion of the indications to include the procedure in patients with extensive coronary disease, multiple risk factors, older age and comorbidities. Improvement in PCI equipment, development of new interventional techniques, and availability of myocardial and systemic support techniques have all contributed to this growth. With these advances, patients once considered high risk for PCI are no longer considered high risk. This article reviews the complex coronary lesions challenges, various interventional and pharmacologic strategies for optimal results and novel technology.