Thomas S M, Buckenham T M, Belli A M
Department of Radiology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield.
Hosp Med. 1998 Jul;59(7):543-8.
Although balloon angioplasty is the most widely used technique for treating peripheral vascular disease, developments in endovascular therapies have extended methods of percutaneous vascular intervention. Lasers have been used to recanalize occluded arteries. Mechanical devices can remove obstructions and metallic stents can be placed to keep a vessel open with good long-term patency.