[Interventional angiography]

Abstract

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) by balloon catheters is the standard method in interventional angiology. It is recommended in the aorto-iliac region for arterial stenoses, and in the femoro-popliteal arteries for stenoses and short occlusions. Due to progress in technology of catheters and guide wires, a primary success rate of more than 90% is to be expected with favorable angiographic conditions. The long-term patency rate of some 90% on the aorto-iliac level exceeds that of 70-90% on the femoro-popliteal level, with the patency rate decreasing with increasing complexity of the lesions. Subacute/acute occlusions of the femoro-popliteal arteries are treated successfully in 80% by catheter-thrombolysis and/or thrombus aspiration. Several new techniques are under clinical evaluation, such as laser angioplasty, rotational catheters, atherectomy catheters and stents. Their application in clinical routine has up to now not been justified except for special situations such as obtaining biopsy material by Simpson catheter or maintenance of patency in balloon resistant lesions by stents.