Long term results of incomplete PTCA revascularization (IR) were estimated in 89 patients (P) with multivessel disease (MVD). P were divided into four groups according to severity and localization of stenoses on coronary angiography. Type A (n = 23): two or more stenoses greater than or equal to 70%, one of which localized in proximal segment was dilated, others in peripheral segments of major epicardial vessels or their branches were left. Type B (n = 30): stenosis greater than or equal to 70% in proximal part of one artery was dilated, other moderate stenoses 50-70% were left. Type C (n = 26): one coronary artery occluded, second vessel with stenosis greater than or equal to 70% was dilated. Type D (n = 10): one or two coronary arteries occluded, in two or three others stenosis 70%, vessel crucial for collateral flow was dilated. On follow-up (x 17.7 months), 57 (64.1%) P were completely free of angina, 23 (25.8%) had only mild effort angina with good response to NTG. Only 9 (10.1%) P required coronary bypass surgery, 6 of them with type D MVD.
Conclusions: 1. IR gives satisfactory long term results in P with type A, B, C of MVD; 2. IR is a palliative procedure in high risk surgical P with type D of MVD, but in some cases gives good clinical results.