James A. Burks

Recent advances in peripheral angioplasty and stenting.

Utilization of percutaneous interventions for arterial and venous occlusive lesions continue to increase. With the progression of the technology supporting these therapeutic measures, the results of these interventions may be expected to improve. In general, a comparison of tech niques for revascularization demonstrates similar initial technical success rates for surgery and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Angioplasty is often associated with lower proce dural morbidity and mortality rates. Conversely, surgery frequently provides greater long-term patency. Late failure of percutaneous therapies may often be treated successfully with rein tervention, however. The continued accumulation of experience with PTA and stenting will ultimately define its role in the management of occlusive disease.