Endovascular catheter techniques are most useful and successful in the
aorto-iliac arteries. As in other territories, wire recanalization, b
alloon angioplasty, and endoluminal stent placement are most applicabl
e. For the surgeon, imaging considerations are most important since th
e operating room must be equipped with the proper capabilities for end
ovascular surgery. Techniques of catheterization and angiographic visu
alization of the arteries must be learned and understood clearly befor
e these procedures are undertaken. A variety of occlusive lesions invo
lving the aorta and iliac arteries can be treated adequately by means
of nonsurgical catheter-based methods which add a significant new dime
nsion to the vascular surgeon.