QRS prolongation: A sensitive marker of ischemia during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

The purpose of this study is to measure QRS duration changes in the human model of ischemia during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and compare these results to the commonly used ischemia markers, chest pain, and classical ST‐T changes. Using a computerized method, QRS duration was measured in 51 patients undergoing elective PTCA. Three milliseconds (msec) or more prolongation of the QRS at peak inflation was considered to be an ischemic response. The results were compared to chest pain and ST‐T changes and were analyzed for inflation site within individual coronary arteries. Forty‐two patients had a pathological prolongation of the QRS during PTCA. Thirty‐two patients developed chest pain, while 19 had ischemic ST‐T changes. QRS duration was more prolonged in PTCA to proximal or middle segments of major arteries or their large branches, while it was less prolonged in distal segments or smaller branches. Using our method, QRS prolongation was an ischemia marker in most patients during PTCA and was more sensitive than chest pain or ST‐T changes. QRS duration was more prolonged with occlusion of proximal and middle segments of major arteries. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 50:177–183, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.