PERCUTANEOUS EXCIMER-LASER ANGIOPLASTY OF LOWER-LIMB VESSELS - RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE 24-MONTH FOLLOW-UP

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the effectiveness and the long-term patency effect of excimer laser angioplasty in periphera l arterial obstructive disease. Seventy-eight patients referred for ex cimer laser angioplasty of lower limbs have been followed up for up to 24 months. Ankle/brachial systolic pressure index, color Doppler mapp ing, and arterial digital subtraction angiography were performed. Imme diate procedural success was achieved in a high percentage of patients (97%). Balloon angioplasty was also used in 85% of patients. Early re occlusions occurred in 8% of patients. The cumulative patency rate was 47% at the 12-month interval and 40% at the 24-month interval. Poor r unoff and the length of the lesions negatively influenced the outcome. Excimer laser angioplasty is an effective procedure, indicated in sel ected patients showing <10 cm occlusions and good runoff.