Endovascular stenting of superficial femoral artery stenosis and occlusions: results and risk factor analysis

Cardiovasc Surg. 2001 Apr;9(2):133-40. doi: 10.1016/s0967-2109(00)00109-5.

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the early and midterm results of femoro-popliteal angioplasty with adjunctive stenting and to identify factors affecting early and continuing success.

Methods: Sixty-nine consecutive balloon angioplasty procedures on the superficial femoral artery (SFA) were performed in 60 limbs and 55 patients in the operating theater. Fifty-two percent of lesions were occlusions, and 87% involved the distal half or the whole segment of the SFA. Immediate endovascular stenting was used in all procedures, involving the placement of 105 stents, with a mean stented length of 13.8 cm. Twenty-nine procedures (43%) were performed for critical ischemia. Three-monthly duplex ultrasound was used for follow up assessment, with stenosis of > 50% defined as the endpoint for failure. The patient demographic and biochemical data, and procedural details were correlated with success criteria according to Society of Vascular Surgery standards.

Results: Initial technical success by intent to treat was 92%, with four procedure-related complications and no deaths. Initial success by anatomic, hemodynamic and clinical criteria were 98.3, 96.7 and 93.3% respectively (92.2, 90.6 and 87.5% by intent to treat). Cumulative primary patency at 6, 12, and 24 months was 73.1, 62.6 and 53.8%, and secondary patency 84.9, 72.1 and 72.1% correspondingly. Significant factors relating to inferior patency were occlusions, stented segment length > 10 cm, procedure in claudicants, and the use of the Memotherm stent.

Conclusions: Angioplasty and stenting of the superficial femoral artery has acceptable primary and secondary patency rates even in the presence of long stenosis and occlusions. A duplex surveillance program is recommended for early detection and timely treatment of restenosis.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angioplasty, Balloon*
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / therapy*
  • Constriction, Pathologic
  • Factor Analysis, Statistical
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery*
  • Humans
  • Life Tables
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Stents*
  • Treatment Outcome