Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of totally occluded iliac arteries in high-risk patients

Abstract
Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed successfully in five of six patients with complete iliac artery occlusion. All of the patients were at high risk because of various coexisting diseases. The length of occlusion ranged from 3.0 cm to 12.0 cm. No significant complications requiring surgery occurred during or after the procedures. Follow-up of patients revealed that the vessels were still patent after 3-22 months. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of totally occluded iliac arteries may represent the therapy of first choice even in the high-risk group.