[Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty before exposure in stage IV of arteriosclerotic occlusion disease (author's transl)].

In 1979 and 80, 34 stage IV patients, whose vascular situation could not be sufficiently visualized by angiography, underwent exploratory exposure. In 15 patients primary amputation had to be performed, in 19 patients reconstruction was possible. 7 of these patients had to undergo secondary amputation. During the same period of time, we performed PTA in 29 stage IV patients, in whom vascular reconstruction was not practicable. In 14 patients PTA was successful, in 15 patients its performance was technically impossible or rethrombosis occurred. Although the two patient groups are not comparable because of different vascular situation, on the basis of positive experience, we recommend that a PTA be performed before exploratory exposure or amputation in stage IV.