Intravascular ultrasound angioplasty in peripheral arterial occlusion. Preliminary experience.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if ultrasound angioplasty in a percutaneous approach was capable of recanalizing occluded arteries in acute and subacute peripheral arterial occlusions.


METHODS
We applied an ultrasound angioplasty device in a percutaneous approach in 9 patients with peripheral arterial occlusions. All patients suffered from severe leg ischemia due to subacute thrombotic occlusions.


RESULTS
The ultrasound transmitter easily created a channel within the occlusive material. To further reduce the mass of the occlusive material, an aspiration thrombectomy was performed in all cases, leading to a complete recanalization in 7 cases. In 2 cases, a remaining stenosis was successfully dilated.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravascular ultrasonic devices can be useful for recanalization of occluded peripheral arteries. In particular, if thrombolytic therapy of longer peripheral arterial occlusions fails or is contraindicated, ultrasound angioplasty may be a new approach for recanalization.
Goyen
M
M
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Essen, Germany.
Kröger
K
K
Buss
C
C
Rudofsky
G
G
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000628:therapy*; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017131:Thrombectomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*