Patient Selection and Decision-Making in Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Appropriate patient selection is fundamental to the success of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. While PCI offers clear benefits in many clinical scenarios, its effectiveness depends on careful evaluation of symptoms, anatomy, and overall health status.
Clinical assessment begins with symptom severity and functional limitation. Patients with acute coronary syndromes often require immediate intervention, while those with stable disease benefit from a balanced evaluation of medical therapy versus invasive treatment. Diagnostic testing, including stress testing and coronary imaging, helps identify patients most likely to benefit from PCI.
Anatomical considerations also influence decision-making. Lesion location, vessel size, and disease complexity play a major role in determining procedural feasibility and risk. Tools such as fractional flow reserve provide physiological insight, ensuring that intervention targets lesions causing significant ischemia rather than incidental narrowing.
Shared decision-making has gained importance in PCI planning. Educating patients about procedural risks, benefits, and alternatives fosters informed consent and improves adherence to post-procedural care. This patient-centered approach aligns treatment goals with individual preferences and expectations.
Effective patient selection ultimately enhances outcomes, avoids unnecessary interventions, and supports long-term cardiovascular health.