Anatomic and hemodynamic evaluation of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

Of 34 balloon angioplasties of the lower extremity performed during a two year period, 29 were observed for three to 21 months. Hemodynamic measurements were performed preangioplasty, immediately postangioplasty and at three month intervals thereafter. Immediately, postangioplasty arteriograms were performed upon all patients. Late follow-up arteriograms were obtained for selected patients. Immediate anatomic success was achieved in 93 per cent of procedures, but early hemodynamic improvement occurred in only 62 per cent of the angioplasty procedures. At a mean follow-up time of nine months, continued success was noted in only 48 per cent of the procedures. Late failure with iliac artery procedures was demonstrated in only 18 per cent of the patients, while, in femoropopliteal angioplasty, late failure occurred in 50 per cent of the procedures. The results of this study and of others indicate that femoropopliteal balloon angioplasty in not a durable procedure. The durability of iliac artery angioplasty requires further evaluation.