Primary and late results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in iliac and femoro-popliteal obliterations

Abstract

The results of a prospective PTA study with single teflon and Grüntzig balloon catheters are reported. The pre- and long-term medication is made with aggregation inhibitors. The primary results, the complication rate and the three-year patency rate indicate the prognosis to be expected. Hence it follows that the most favourable results in stage II to IV are obtainable in single iliac artery stenoses, isolated and multiple femoral or popliteal artery stenoses and femoro-popliteal occlusions up to 10 cm in length. Even in stage III/IV when vascular surgery is not possible and general contraindications to surgery exist can a treatment attempt be meaningful for femoral occlusions of longer extent. A significant reduction of the leg amputation rate is noticeable in stage III/IV.