Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with the Grüntzig balloon catheter. A review of 70 cases.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has been used to treat lesions of the iliac, superficial femoral, and renal arterial systems in 70 patients. Overall initial success was achieved in 27/30 lesions, with 4/5 lesions documented to be patent for longer than two years. Although long-term follow-up is at present limited, the reduced cost and morbidity of this procedure are distinct advantages in appropriately selected patients. The close involvement of the vascular surgeon and a "team" approach are necessary. These preliminary results are part of a long-term study to evaluate the efficacy of transluminal angioplasty as well as to define factors that may be of predictive value in patient selection.