[Clinical results of directional peripheral atherectomy].

I will report clinical results of directional peripheral atherectomy (DPA). DPA was performed in 81 lesions in 57 cases in our department in the period ending February 1996 (56 men and one women, age; 24-85 years old, and mean age; 67 years old). 56 stenotic lesions and 25 complete occlusive lesions were observed. Simpson AtherotrackTM from six to nine Fr was used according the degree of lesions. In the complete occlusive or severe stenotic lesions DPA was carried out only after laser angioplasty (LAP) by using Nd-YAG laser. Initial clinical success was defined as < 30% residual stenotic rate by arteriography. In cases with more than 30% residual stenosis, we performed reDPA, balloon angioplasty or stent implantation. The initial success rate was 98% in the stenotic group and 96% in the occlusive group. Five complications occurred and all complications were minor dissection caused by minor dissection caused by LAP. The late success rate was 86% in the stenotic group and 86% in the occlusive group (observation period; 1-46 mena; 28 months). This new technique might have further clinical application with improvement of the initial and long patency rate.