PTCA Full Form
PTCA stands for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty. 1
Definition and Context
PTCA is a catheter-based revascularization technique first introduced by Andreas Gruentzig in September 1977 as an alternative to coronary artery bypass surgery. 1 The procedure involves using a balloon catheter to dilate stenotic coronary arteries and restore blood flow to ischemic myocardium. 1
Evolution of Terminology
Historical usage: The term PTCA was originally used when the procedure was limited exclusively to balloon angioplasty techniques. 1
Modern terminology: Since the 2001 ACC/AHA guidelines, the broader term Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) has replaced PTCA in clinical practice to encompass the expanded array of catheter-based techniques now available. 1
Current scope of PCI: This umbrella term now includes rotational atherectomy, directional atherectomy, extraction atherectomy, laser angioplasty, intracoronary stent implantation, and other catheter devices for treating coronary atherosclerosis. 1
Clinical Application
PTCA/PCI was initially performed predominantly on patients with discrete, proximal, noncalcified subtotal occlusive lesions in a single coronary artery. 1 The technique has since expanded to treat multivessel disease, multiple stenoses in the same vessel, accessible complete occlusions, saphenous vein or internal mammary artery graft stenoses, and acute myocardial infarction with total thrombotic occlusions. 1, 2