Treatment of femoropopliteal stenoses by means of self-expandable endoprostheses: midterm results.

An endovascular mechanical support that can be introduced percutaneously could be an attractive approach to preventing acute occlusion and restenosis following angioplasty. The self-expandable metallic endoprosthesis is characterized by its flexibility and elasticity. The authors report the results of 40 femoropopliteal implantations in 36 patients; the follow-up period was greater than 6 months in all patients. Lesion length exceeded 7 cm in 25% of cases and was 3-7 cm in 75%. Thirty percent of lesions were total occlusions. At hemodynamic and angiographic study, two types of complications were noted. In patients not receiving orally administered anticoagulants, six thromboses occurred early; no early thromboses were noted in the nine patients treated with acenocoumarol. Restenosis occurred in 10% of cases (maximum follow-up, 2 years) and was noted even in long lesions (greater than 7 cm). The authors believe that placement of this type of prosthesis is an attractive approach to preventing postangioplasty restenosis, provided that the conditions of anticoagulation are well controlled.