Repeated percutaneous transluminal catheter-treatment. Primary results.

An advantage of angioplasty lies in the repeatability of this method in the same vascular section, if reobliteration or restenosis occur. In 154 patients second PTA was performed in 159 extremities, in 26 third and in 4 fourth PTA. The best results of repeated PTA were observed in stenoses, as well in the iliac region as in the femoro-popliteal section. Because a reocclusion has unfavorable chances for a renewed PTA it is advisable to watch the patients. As soon as the patient suffers of more claudication, a new angiography is to be performed. The results of repeated PTA in state IV are worse than in state II, third PTA had only pour chances. Therefore a repeated PTA more than twice especially in obliterations is hardly justifiable.