Pitfalls in the Application of Residual Coronary Pressure Gradient (RCPG) as an Indicator of Success or Failure of Transluminal Coronary Balloon Angioplasty

Abstract

While the measurement of residual trans-stenotic coronary pressure gradi ent (CPRG) in the course of balloon angioplasty is a procedure of practical value in both estimating the severity of the stenosis and the degree of improve ment achieved, its application, however, has also several and serious sources of error; therefore, its value is limited and it should never be accepted as an out-of- context single indicator to either the degree of the stricture or of the anatomic improvement induced by angioplasty.