Out of a total of 1,500 percutaneous coronary angioplasties (PTCA), 55 (3.6%) were associated with balloon rupture. Lesion calcification was noticed in 7 of these 55 patients (12.7%). Balloon rupture occurred at a mean pressure of 10.7 atmospheres. All balloons were retrieved without difficulty. Intimal tears were noted in 18 (32.7%) cases. Three patients required bypass surgery. In 29 patients restudied angiographically, the restenosis rate was 38%. Balloon rupture during PTCA does not seem to be associated with detrimental consequences.

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was successfully used for the first time in 1977. With experience, its application broadened to include multiple lesions, complex anatomical stenoses, multiple vessels, and saphenous vein aorto-coronary bypass grafts. This case demonstrates successful internal mammary graft angioplasty with continued long-term (eight months) success, documented angiographically.

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