Coronary stenting of unprotected left main stem stenoses in elderly patients unsuitable for coronary surgery

We describe five patients with severe unstable angina refractory to medical management in whom coronary angiography demonstrated a severe stenosis of the left main stem. Due to severe co-existing illnesses bypass surgery was deemed inappropriate. Angioplasty to the left main stem stenosis followed by stent deployment was performed. All five patients were successfully discharged from hospital.