The use of color-coded duplex scanning in the selection of patients with lower extremity arterial disease for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty: a prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To exploit the potential benefits of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients with short obstructive lesions in the lower extremity, it is preferable to select patients suitable for PTA before proceeding to hospital admission and angiography. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the role of color-coded duplex scanning in the correct selection of patients for PTA and its influence on planning the approach to the lesion.


METHODS
On the basis of clinical history, physical examination, pressure indices, and ultrasound duplex scanning, 109 patients were scheduled for PTA.


RESULTS
The indication for PTA was correct in 103 patients (94%), while the procedure was performed successfully in 98 patients (90%). The approach to the lesion was planned successfully in the majority of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that it is justifiable to plan PTA on the basis of information obtained by duplex scanning. Results of the duplex scan may guide the catheterization route.
Elsman
B H
BH
Department of Vascular Surgery, Utrecht University Hospital, Heidelberglaan 100, NL-3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Legemate
D A
DA
van der Heyden
F W
FW
de Vos
H
H
Mali
W P
WP
Eikelboom
B C
BC
D000792:Angiography; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010343:Patient Admission; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D018579:Patient Selection; D010808:Physical Examination; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013599:Systole; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex