Balloon angioplasty with intraluminal stenting as the initial treatment modality in aorto-iliac occlusive disease.
OBJECTIVE
We retrospectively evaluated balloon angioplasty with intraluminal stenting to define applicability, early results, cost, and length of stay.


METHODS
Seventy-three patients underwent 94 aorto-iliac angioplasties with intraluminal stents from October 1991 through July 1993. All had disabling claudication or rest ischemia.


RESULTS
Mean follow-up was 10.2 months and was 90.4% complete. Ninety percent of procedures were immediately successful. There were no deaths within 30 days of surgery. Complications occurred in 13%. The ankle:brachial indices improved in all groups. Functional class improved in all groups. In class 4, limb salvage or a benefit on level of amputation was universal. Length of stay ranged 33% to 82% less than when aorto-iliac or aortofemoral bypass were undertaken (diagnosis-related group 39.25). Hospital charges for stent procedures ranged 25% to 66% less than for aorto-iliac or aortofemoral bypass (diagnosis-related group 39.25).


CONCLUSIONS
The procedure is widely applicable, with an apparent initial advantage in mortality, morbidity, charges, and length of stay. Durability is unproven.
Williams
J B
JB
Abiline Heart and Vascular Institute, Texas.
Watts
P W
PW
Nguyen
V A
VA
Peterson
C L
CL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome