Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty: an angiographer's viewpoint
H. L. Neiman, T. D. Brandt and M. Greenberg
We outline the present role of angioplasty in the management of peripheral
vascular disease and its application to other portions of the arterial and
venous systems; we summarize several large series, including our own, which
encompass more than 4,000 cases; and we discuss the pathophysiology of
balloon dilation techniques and the criteria for patient selection. With
appropriate patient selection, initial (90%) and long-term (85%) patency
results are now comparable with surgical techniques when the iliac arteries
are involved. Treatment of femoropopliteal disease is slightly less
successful but is indicated in appropriate patients. We present the role of
angioplasty in conjunction with grafting procedures and in the management
of renal vascular hypertension, and we review the potential complications
(2% to 3%), adjunctive medical management, and areas for further
investigation.
