Femoropopliteal angioplasty in patients with claudication: primary and secondary patency in 140 limbs with 1-3-year follow-up

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the usefulness of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the femoropopliteal arteries in patients with claudication.

Materials and methods: In a prospective study of 106 claudicants (71 men and 35 women, aged 41-90 years [mean, 67 years]), a total of 208 lesions in 140 limbs were treated. The patients were followed up for 12-36 months. The patency rates were based on determination of the ankle-brachial index.

Results: The hemodynamic success rate for all the treated limbs was 89%, 99% for femoropopliteal stenoses (n = 71) and 80% for femoropopliteal occlusions (n = 69). In multiple logistic regression analysis, a smaller number of diseased vessels (one to two vs three to seven) and milder lesion severity (stenosis vs occlusion) correlated favorably with early success. Survival analysis with the Kaplan-Meier method according to established criteria revealed 1-, 2-, and 3-year primary patency rates of 47% (27 of 57 limbs), 41% (14 of 34 limbs), and 43% (three of seven limbs), respectively.

Conclusion: In selected cases, good primary success and acceptable long-term results can be achieved with femoropopliteal angioplasty in claudicants.