Balloon dilation alone in treatment of arteriosclerotic stenosis or occlusions of femoropopliteal arteries / 中华外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the use and efficacy of balloon dilation in arteriosclerotic stenosis or occlusions of femoropopliteal arteries.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty patients (27 men, 3 women, age from 44 to 78 years, mean 70) with arteriosclerotic stenosis or occlusion of femoropopliteal arteries received balloon dilation. Thirty-one balloons, which included 3 common balloons, 16 cutting balloons, 10 "deep" balloons and 2 small balloons, were used. Follow-up surveillance featured periodic physical examination and duplex scanning.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In all 30 patients, the technique success was reached only with 6 minor dissections. Angiography after dilation showed that the treated vessels were all patent with a < 20% stenosis remaining in any given lesions. After treatment and over a follow-up of 1 to 17 months (mean 6 months), the symptoms were relieved and all treated vessels were patent except 1 patient (3.3%) who had a gangrene foot and received limb amputation.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Balloon dilation has a comparative ratio of one-stage success and short-term patency. Some special balloons seem to have a promising future in the management of femoropopliteal arterial arteriosclerotic lesions.</p>