Quantitative ST-segment recovery following angiographically successful angioplasty: A useful warning of early complications

The angiographic/anatomic appearance of the TCA site and transstenotic gradient trending are two available intraprocedural variables that help to identify patients at high risk for early complications after successful angioplasty. We have reported on an additional variable, the rate of ST recovery following the final balloon deflation as a physiologic marker to identify patients at risk for early complications. Slow ST recovery was present in 52% of patients with early complications of myocardial infarction, urgent or emergent coronary bypass surgery, and/or death, whereas normal ST recovery was seen in 97% of patients with uncomplicated courses. ST trending is a non-invasive modality that is available in all patients undergoing TCA and should be a useful adjunct in identifying patients at high and low risk for early major complications following angiographically successful angioplasty. A prospective study of ST recovery during TCA deserves consideration.