Long-term results of double-balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the aorta and iliac arteries.

Seventy-nine patients have been treated by double-balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for aortoiliac atherosclerotic lesions within 0.5 cm of the aortic bifurcation. Seven patients had repeated angioplasties, a total of 86 procedures over an 8 year period up to December 1990. The technique is described and its merits discussed. Technically successful dilatation was achieved in 81 cases (94%) and symptomatic relief was obtained in 75 (87%), including 12 of 14 patients with critical ischaemia. Fourteen of 17 occlusions up to 6 cm long and 67 of 69 stenoses were successfully dilated. After an average follow-up of 49 months (median 51 months, range 7-93), only six patients (7%) developed late recurrence of symptoms requiring further treatment. Six patients have died and 12 have been discharged from follow-up. The cumulative success rate beyond 5 years' follow-up was 80%. Complications requiring surgical intervention occurred in four patients (5%). Double-balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was seen to be an effective procedure which produced lasting improvement and is recommended as the first choice treatment for localised stenotic and occlusive disease at the aortic bifurcation.