Myocardial Revascularization by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Past, Present, and the Future

Percutaneous coronary revascularization was introduced over 30 years ago by Dr Andreas Grüntzig. This event catapulted adult invasive cardiology from a diagnostic entity to a therapeutic modality, which has since become the most frequently performed coronary revascularization procedure worldwide. This success has been built on several key concepts—problem identification, targeted solutions, applied technology, populations-based testing, postmarket surveillance, and education. These concepts will continue to be of paramount importance as novel percutaneous innovations and strategies are brought to bear on an increasingly broader group of patients with cardiovascular disease. In this review, we trace the history, review current practices, and also provide insight into future potential innovations, as it pertains to percutaneous coronary revascularization.