Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the iliac arteries: 66 experiences

Sixty-six iliac arteries in 45 patients, 25 male and 20 female, were treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Of 103 lesions dilated, 51 were in common iliac and 51 in external iliac arteries. While iliac artery disease was the primary lesion in 18 patients, eight of whom had total occlusion, 27 patients had additional femoropopliteal disease. An overall primary success rate of 84% in dilatation of the stenotic lesions, and 33% in recanalization of totally occluded iliac arteries was achieved. In 12 patients, a prescheduled aortic bifurcation graft was cancelled. In one patient, in addition to recanalization of the occluded common iliac artery, the stenotic distal aorta was also successfully dilated. Angioplasty was unsuccessful in 12 patients. There were only three severe complications requiring surgical assistance. To date, less than 2 years, there has been a patency rate of 100%. Transluminal angioplasty is the treatment of choice for single stenotic lesions of the iliac arteries. Lack of calcification is not an absolute guarantee of success, but a favorable factor.