IV. OUTCOME OF ANGIOPLASTY
Coronary angioplasty does not compete with CABG surgery. Approximately 25% of individuals cannot have coronary angioplasty or stents and must have CABG. Coronary angioplasty is much cheaper. The hospital stay is only one day, and patients can usually return to work within a few days. Of those who undergo angioplasty, approximately 85% are angina-free and able to be more active. Most important, the procedure is done in patients with stable or unstable angina mainly to relieve recurrent chest pain of angina. It has not been shown in randomized clinical trials to prolong life significantly or reduce the occurrence of myocardial infarction.