Results of cross-over implantation of Palmaz stents with cross-over sheaths.

Purpose: Presentation of technique of cross-over stent implantation of Palm az stents using a crossover sheath. Material and Methods: Between 1996 and March 1997 72 patients presenting symptoms of peripheral artery disease rec eived 136 Palmaz stents, which were implanted in a cross-over technique wit h the aid of a cross-over sheath. Results: As indications for stent implant ation occurred: occlusion (n = 14), recoil (n = 11), distinctive calcificat ion (n = 32), recurring stenosis/occlusion (n = 32), perforation (n = 3), d issection (n = 31), and aneurysmas (n = 2). The cross-over technique with t he aid of a cross-over sheath was successful in all 136 cases. Within the f irst 24 hours 3 acute reocclusions occurred (all femoral). For stents place d in the iliac artery the primary patency rate was 93.3 % at 12 months and for stents placed in the femoral artery 72.0 %. Furthermore, this technique s allows for simultanous stenting of pelvic, femoral or lower leg arteries (n = 17). By using this technique, stenting of the distal external iliacal artery, common femoral artery (CFA) and proximal superficial femoral artery becomes either possible for the first time or easier. Conclusion: If Palma z stents with a length of 2-7.8 cm should be implanted in the cross-over te chnique, the use of a cross-over sheath is recommended.