BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY WITH INTRALUMINAL STENTING AS THE INITIAL TREATMENT MODALITY IN AORTOILIAC OCCLUSIVE DISEASE

PURPOSE: We retrospectively evaluated balloon angioplasty with intraluminal stenting to define applicability, early results, cost, and length of stay. METHODS: Seventy-three patients underwent 94 aorto-iliac angioplasties with intraluminal stents from October 1991 through July 1993. All had disabling claudication or rest ischemia. RESULTS: Man follow-up was 10.2 months and was 90.4% complete. Ninety percent of procedures were immediately successful. There were noe deaths within 30 days of surgery. Complications occurred in 13%. The ankle:brachial indices improved in all groups. functional class improved in all groups. In class 4, limb salvage or a benefit on level of amputation was universal. Length of stay ranges 33% to 82% less than when aorto-iliac or aortofemoral bypass were undertaken (diagnosis-related group 39.25). Hospital charges for stent procedures ranged 25% to 66% less than for aorto-iliac or aortofemoral bypass (diagnosis-related group 39.25). CONCLUSION: The procedure is widely applicable, with an apparent initial advantage in mortality, morbidity, charges, and length of stay. Durability is unproven.