Treatment of complex arteriosclerotic lesions with nitinol stents in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries: A midterm follow-up

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of nitinol stents in patients with short, complex lesions in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries and to assess midterm results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Self-expandable nitinol stents were implanted in 54 extremities in 44 patients to treat complex stenoses (n = 32) and occlusions (n = 22) in the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries. Follow-up was performed for 5-51 months to evaluate early thrombosis and midterm patency rates. Midterm patency rates were compared between the following: stenoses and occlusions, proximal and distal locations, good and poor runoff, and diabetic patients and nondiabetic patients. All patients underwent clinical investigation and color Doppler sonography after 1 month and 6 months and at 6-month intervals thereafter. If restenosis or stent thrombosis was suspected, intraarterial digital subtraction angiography of the superficial and popliteal arteries was performed. RESULTS: Percutaneous stent implantation was successful in all patients. The mean duration of follow-up was 27 months (range, 5-51 months). No thrombotic occlusion occurred within the first 4 weeks after stent implantation. The primary 3-year patency rate was 76%, and the secondary patency rate was 87%. Three-year primary patency rates were 65% for diabetic patients and 82% for nondiabetic patients. CONCLUSION: In patients with short, complex stenoses and occlusions, implantation of nitinol stents may have a positive impact on midterm results.