Accelerated atherosclerosis occurs in chronic renal failure. The role of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in chronic renal failure patients requiring dialysis has not been characterized. We studied 17 chronic dialysis patients requiring PTCA over a 6-year period. Their mean age was 60 years, four were diabetic, eight had severe hypertension, and seven had unstable angina. Angiographic success was achieved in 47 of 49 (96%) stenoses attempted, including multivessel PTCA in 12 patients. There was one procedural death, two non-Q wave myocardial infarctions following PTCA, and one additional in-hospital noncardiac death. The 15 survivors were asymptomatic on discharge (mean stay 11 days), but recurrent angina developed within 6 months in 12 patients. Angiography in 11 of these 12 patients demonstrated restenosis of 26 of 32 (81%) dilated sites. Repeat PTCA in six patients was followed by return of angina in four patients with restenosis in 11 of 12 sites. Bypass surgery was ultimately performed in four patients with long-term angina relief. During follow-up (mean 20 months), seven patients died (five from chronic renal failure, two cardiac deaths). Thus although PTCA in chronic dialysis patients is technically feasible and provides relief of angina, aggressive restenosis limits the long-term benefit. Coronary bypass surgery may be the preferred therapy for this unique patient group.