Mid-term follow-up after placement of the new balloon-expandable VIP-stentinto the iliac arteries.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness and mid-term patency of VIP balloon ex pandable stents in patients with iliac occlusive disease. Material and Meth ods: Between August and December 1997 26 balloon-expandable VIP (Medtronic) stainless steel vascular stents were implanted in 19 patients with iliac o cclusive disease. 22 lesions in common iliac (n = 11), external iliac (n = 5), common iliac plus contralateral external iliac (n = 1), and unilateral common and external iliac(n = 2) arteries were stented, allowing 20 limbs f or assessment. There were 18 stenoses and 4 occlusions in 7 female and 12 m ale patients (mean age 65 years, range 45-80). Results: All lesions were tr eated satisfactorily, yielding a technical success rate of 100%. Primary pa tency was 91% (20/22) at 6 months. In 2 lesions restenoses (90% and 70%) we re observed, requiring repeated angioplasty. Color Doppler analysis at 12 m onths revealed no further restenoses. Conclusion: The new VIP balloon-expan dable stents achieve very good initial technical success and good mid-term patency in the treatment of iliac occlusive disease.