Balloon-catheter dilation as an adjunct to arterial surgery
B. Roberts, M. H. Gertner and E. J. Ring
Balloon-catheter dilation of arterial stenoses and/or occlusions has been
found to be helpful when used both as an adjunct to arterial surgery and as
definitive treatment. Used preoperatively, it enables the extent of surgery
to be limited and may improve the patient's general condition and ability
to undergo surgery; such is seen when renal or mesenteric vessels are
dilated preoperatively. During surgery, it can be used to augment the
surgery, particularly in an area that is difficult to expose or out of the
operative field. Postoperatively, it is often useful in maintaining patency
of a graft or its inflow and outflow tract. Judicious use of this modality
can enhance arterial surgery and improve results.
