Angioplasty Duration

Dear Physicians at Cleveland Clinic Heart Center,

In general, how long will a successful angioplasty last?  Are we speaking of one, two, or many years?  Also, when is it considered as successful as bypass surgery?  That is, how long after the angioplasty with no reoccurring problems is it considered as successful as bypass surgery?

Thanks - Jeff

[CCF CARDIO MD - DLB]

About 10% to 20% of blockages treated by angioplasty/stenting will recur within 6 months of the procedure. The recurrence can often be treated with a repeat angioplasty. The other 80% to 90% will usually be fine if no blockage has recurred in that time frame, similar to the results from bypass surgery. However, milder blockages can progress; these need to be treated with medications and lifestyle changes.