The timing and frequency of complications after peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and iliac stenting: Is a change from inpatient to outpatient therapy feasible?

Purpose: A prospective study was performed to assess the Frequency and timi ng of complications after transluminal angioplasty and stent placement with a view to changing our practice and performing these procedures on an outp atient basis. Method: A total of 266 angioplasties and 51 stent deployments were attempte d on 240 consecutive patients. Immediate complications were documented by t he radiologists. The timing and nature of any complications during and beyo nd the first 24 hr were reported by the vascular surgeons. Results: There were 14 complications in 240 patients, giving a complication rate of 4.8% per vessel segment dilated. There were five major and nine mi nor complications. Eighty six percent of complications were evident before the patient had left the angiography suite. All complications were evident within 4.5 hr of the procedure. Conclusion: The timing of complications suggests it would be reasonable to perform percutaneous transluminal angioplasties and iliac stenting on an ou tpatient basis in suitable patients.