The Particulars: PCI-related technology has advanced significantly in recent years. However, current data on PCI-related complications is lacking.
Data Breakdown: For a study, investigators analyzed data from more than 2 million procedures in adults who underwent PCI between 2005 and 2010. The overall complication rate for PCI was 7.4% during the study period, with a 1.2% in-hospital mortality rate. The most common complications were:
| Complication |
Rate |
| Vascular issues |
2.0% |
| Cardiac issues |
1.8% |
| Respiratory failure |
1.6% |
| Postoperative stroke |
1.1% |
| Infectious issues |
0.7% |
| Postoperative DVT |
0.4% |
| Renal/metabolic issues |
0.2% |
Take Home Pearls: The rate of PCI-related complications appears to be low. The most common complications after PCI appear to be cardiac and vascular in nature.
