[Transluminal dilatation of the distal abdominal aorta and of the common and external iliac arteries (author's transl)].

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), a radiological procedure for dilating stenosed or occluded vessels, was carried out for 67 stenoses and three occlusions of the abdominal aorta or of the common or external iliac arteries. Seventy procedures were carried out; of these, 65 showed satisfactory primary results (observation period 15 days) ie, the clinical situation was improved. On four occasions the procedure had to be abandoned for technical reasons and, in one case, there was an early recurrence. Subsequently there were two late recurrences (after six and 24 months) during an observation period of three to 24 months. In the successfully dilated stenoses or occlusions there was a highly significant increase in the vessel diameter, with a highly significant reduction in the pressure gradient across the stenosis. The results are discussed. The authors conclude that in the presence of stenoses of the distal aorta or common or external iliac arteries PTA, which carries little risk and can be repeated, should be considered and attempted before surgical intervention.