In order to reduce vascular complications, the authors assessed safety and feasability of a new percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) strategy consisting of direct stenting with 3000 i.u. heparin and immediate sheath removal. Predicting factors of vascular complications during PTCA include heparin dosages, sheath dwell time and use of anti-glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa. A simplified PTCA with direct stenting technique may allow the use of very low doses of heparin without anti-GPIIb/IIIa in selected cases. From April 1999 to April 2000 all patients who underwent PTCA in the authors' center were screened. Exclusion criteria comprised a contraindication for direct stenting, primary PTCA for acute myocardial infarction (MI) and a TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) grade zero flow. All other patients were included. They received 3000 i.u. heparin before direct stenting whatever their current anticoagulation and their weight. The sheath was immediately removed using manual compression. Out of 716 consecutive PTCA patients, 171 (24%) were enrolled in the study (198 sites). Complete protocol was achieved in 150 patients (88%). Activated clotting time during the procedure was 179 +/- 32 seconds. No subacute thrombosis or creatine kinase elevation was observed before discharge. Only two uncomplicated groin hematomas and two false aneurysms (one surgical repair) were noted. This study shows that direct stenting with 3000 iu heparin is safe. Immediate sheath removal can be performed with a low rate of major vascular complications.