ABSTRACT
Patients with depressed left ventricular function as a high-risk group for revascularization procedures • Accurate selection of patients for revascularization • Use of devices to protect against distal embolization • Use of assist devices for supported angioplasty
Primum non nocere. (Hippocrates)
The last 20 years have seen dramatic advances in the field of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Not only has the progressive development of new devices made the procedures more effective and safe, but it has also allowed operators to treat a wider range of patients and more complex lesions. High-risk populations now represent a substantial number of patients treated in everyday practice, and one such example are those with a very depressed left ventricular (LV) function.
