Advances in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Abstract
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a cornerstone revascularization strategy for the management of coronary artery disease (CAD), aiming to restore myocardial perfusion by relieving obstructive coronary lesions. Since its introduction, PCI has evolved significantly with advances in device technology, pharmacotherapy, and imaging guidance, leading to improved procedural success and patient outcomes. Contemporary PCI techniques include balloon angioplasty, drug-eluting stent implantation, and adjunctive use of intravascular imaging and physiological assessment. PCI plays a pivotal role in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes, including ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, as well as in selected patients with stable ischemic heart disease. Despite its benefits, PCI is associated with potential complications such as restenosis, stent thrombosis, and periprocedural myocardial injury, necessitating careful patient selection and optimal peri-procedural management. Ongoing research continues to refine indications, techniques, and long-term strategies to maximize the clinical benefit of PCI.