[Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the treatment of arteriosclerosis of the lower extremities].

With the introduction of balloon catheters in 1974, dilatation of arteriosclerotic stenoses has become an important treatment for this condition. During the years 1979-88, 368 such procedures were performed in 270 patients. Two patients (0.7%) died from complications. In 8%, revascularisation was unsuccessful. Long occlusions appeared especially difficult to recanalize. 81% of the patients were improved by the treatment. The long term results were best in the iliac segment with 5-year patency of 90% after dilatation of short stenoses (< 4 cm) and 65% after dilatation of longer stenoses. In the femoropopliteal segment, the 5-year patency rates were 65% and 50% respectively. Results after recanalisation of occlusions were poor. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an important supplement to surgery, applying mainly to patients with limited arteriosclerosis and moderate symptoms.