Restenosis rate after multiple percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures at the same site. A quantitative angiographic study in consecutive patients undergoing a third angioplasty procedure for a second restenosis.

BACKGROUND Several studies suggest that repeated percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty procedures at the same site are associated with a progressively increasing risk of further restenosis and that short time intervals between successive procedures are predictive of future restenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed by quantitative coronary angiography the angiographic probability of restenosis when repeat percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty was performed at a site where restenosis had occurred after two previous angioplasty procedures. Of 99 consecutive patients who underwent a third angioplasty procedure, 96 had successful procedures. Uncomplicated failure (residual stenosis > or = 50%) occurred in 3 patients. No major complications occurred. Follow-up angiography was routinely advised; it was performed in 83 patients (86%) with successful procedures. Restenosis (recurrence of > or = 50% stenosis determined by quantitative coronary angiography) occurred in 32 patients (39%). An interval of < 3 months between the second and third angioplasty was strongly associated (P < .005) with the occurrence of further restenosis after a third procedure. CONCLUSIONS The angiographic probability of further restenosis after three successive angioplasty procedures at the same site is similar to that reported after a first angioplasty procedure in studies that used a similar definition of restenosis. Patients who undergo a third angioplasty procedure within 3 months of a previous procedure at the same site have a much higher risk of subsequent restenosis. This easily identified subgroup may benefit from an alternative therapeutic approach.