Implantation of the Corinthian IQ stent into the femoropopliteal arteries using 6-F introducer sheaths in antegrade and crossover procedures: midterm results.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical performance of the implantation of the Corinthian IQ stent into the femoropopliteal arteries using 6-F introducer sheaths. Thirty-three lesions (24 stenoses, 9 occlusions) in 32 patients (mean age 67 years) were stented. Selective stent implantation was performed after unsatisfactory percutaneous transluminal angioplasty result with an antegrade access in 21 patients and through a crossover sheath in 11 patients. A total of 36 stents were implanted. Stent delivery was successful in all cases (stent diameter 5 or 6 mm, stent length 11-38 mm). In none of the cases was stent dislodgement from the balloon observed. Stent placement was optimal without residual stenosis in 30 cases. In 1 case the stent was chosen too short requiring implantation of a second stent. In 1 patient distal embolization was observed which was treated with catheter embolectomy. Nine-month primary and secondary patency rates were 79+/-8.7 and 86+/-7.7%, respectively. Implantation of the Corinthian IQ stent into the femoropopliteal arteries using 6-F introducer sheaths is safe in antegrade and crossover procedures.