Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with the Grüntzig balloon catheter: technical problems encountered in the first forty patients.

Forty patients have undergone percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the iliac or femoral-popliteal system with the Grüntzig balloon catheter. Technical problems ahve included experience with difficult antegrade puncture, production of intimal flaps, and loss of collateral vessels, as well as the need to develop an approach for recanalization of obstructions and for use of the balloon. Since problems in these areas may jeopardize the success of the procedure, they have been elucidated with some discussion of prevention. Preliminary results on the success of the procedure are included.