[Percutaneous angioscopy and angioplasty in the treatment of arteriopathies of the lower limbs].

Since 1987, the authors have routinely combined angioscopy with angioplasty of peripheral arteries. In a series of 251 angioplasties carried out in 191 patients, angioscopy was found to be more specific and more sensitive than arterial angiography in the etiological diagnosis of arterial stenoses and/or obstructions. Angioscopic findings modified the angioplasty procedure in 29% of cases. Using an inflatable catheter remains the most commonly used approach (230 cases); in 10 cases, this was preceded by thromboaspiration and in 4 cases by dotterization. Angioscopic support was useful in carrying out difficult manoeuvres (monitoring of the angioplasty in 4 cases, correct orientation of the guide into the lumen in 14 cases, installation of an endoprosthesis in 9 cases, arterial biopsy in 5 cases and sampling of an atheroma in 8 cases).