title: Percutaneous excimer laser angioplasty of lower limb vessels: results of a prospective 24-month follow-up.
abstract: The aim of this prospective study was to assess the effectiveness and the long-term patency effect of excimer laser angioplasty in peripheral arterial obstructive disease. Seventy-eight patients referred for excimer laser angioplasty of lower limbs have been followed up for up to 24 months. Ankle/brachial systolic pressure index, color Doppler mapping, and arterial digital subtraction angiography were performed. Immediate procedural success was achieved in a high percentage of patients (97%). Balloon angioplasty was also used in 85% of patients. Early reocclusions occurred in 8% of patients. The cumulative patency rate was 47% at the 12-month interval and 40% at the 24-month interval. Poor runoff and the length of the lesions negatively influenced the outcome. Excimer laser angioplasty is an effective procedure, indicated in selected patients showing < 10 cm occlusions and good runoff.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Padua, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Visonà
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perissinotto
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lusiani
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bonanome
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pesavento
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miserocchi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liessi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pagnan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D016342:Angioplasty, Laser / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color