Elective single-vessel percutaneous coronary intervention in a vegetative state patient.

A 73-year-old male in a persistent vegetative state underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for unstable angina with multiple-vessel stenosis. The maximum dose pharmaceutical therapy was ineffective in controlling his symptoms. The goal of the procedure was to alleviate the patient's severe chest pain and vomiting with minimal invasion and risk. The procedure was effective despite treating only the culprit artery. Symptoms disappeared immediately after PCI and the patient remained attack free for 12 months. With the consent of the patient's family and support of medical staff, elective single-vessel PCI can be a practical and effective treatment option for refractory angina in patients with impaired consciousness.