The effect of electrical neurostimulation on collateral perfusion during acute coronary occlusion

INTERVENTION: The intervention was electrical neurostimulation, during five minutes before and during the one‐minute ischaemic episode. Within a patient we measured during the one‐minute ischaemic episode the collateral perfusion, with and without electrical neurostimulation. The ischaemic episode was established by balloon inflation during elective PCI. CONDITION: Angina pectoris, electrical neurostimulation, coronary collaterals, angioplasty ; Circulatory System ; Ischaemic heart diseases PRIMARY OUTCOME: The primary endpoint was collateral perfusion, the Pw/Pa ratio. This was measured during a one‐minute balloon inflation during PCI. The Pw/Pa ratio was measured in each patient during two ischaemic episodes. To compare the Pw/Pa ratio with and without electrical neurostimulation, the Pw/Pa ratio is measured intracoronary, using a pressure wire. SECONDARY OUTCOME: No secondary outcome measures INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Patients with stable angina 2. Evidence of myocardial ischaemia 3. Planned for elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)