Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the selected management of proximal arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremities: a preliminary report.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was used in the treatment of 17 segmental, arterial stenoses in 12 patients. Successful dilatation was achieved in 88% of lesions with documented hemodynamic improvement of all successful cases. The technique has been applied as the sole treatment in certain cases of isolated iliac stenosis. It also has been used to improve arterial inflow prior to more distal reconstruction, as well as to treat localized disease progression in patients with previous arterial reconstruction. It must be considered a new adjunct in the management of patients with arterial occlusive disease.