Which procedure is utilized to relieve symptoms in patients who do not qualify for CABG?

The use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is particularly significant for patients who are experiencing symptoms related to coronary artery disease but do not meet the criteria for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). PCI involves minimally invasive techniques such as balloon angioplasty and stent placement to open narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, thereby improving blood flow to the heart muscle.

Patients who might not be surgical candidates for CABG due to various reasons, such as advanced age, comorbidities, or less suitable anatomy, can still benefit from PCI. The procedure is aimed at alleviating angina pectoris and reducing the risk of future cardiac events, thereby enhancing the patient's quality of life.

In contrast, coronary artery bypass grafting is a surgical intervention intended for more severe cases where bypassing blocked arteries is necessary; however, not all patients are suitable for this invasive procedure. Coronary angiography is primarily a diagnostic tool used to visualize the coronary arteries and assess the severity of blockages, rather than a treatment option. Exercise stress testing serves as a method to evaluate cardiac function and identify ischemic changes but does not provide symptom relief. Thus, PCI presents a viable alternative for symptom relief in eligible patients.