Distal embolization occurred in 14 of 339 (4%) attempted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedures, including five of 225 stenoses (2.2%) and nine of the 81 occlusions (11%) that were crossed successfully in 114 attempts (8%). Transcatheter embolectomy by aspiration through a nontapered large-bore catheter was technically successful in five of six attempts (83%), and was combined with successful PTA in three of five patients. In two patients in whom the clinical result of PTA was considered unsatisfactory, successful transcatheter embolectomy permitted an uncomplicated surgical by-pass procedure to be performed. If clinically significant embolization occurs during PTA, this procedure can be attempted prior to surgical embolectomy as an alternative to local fibrinolytic therapy.

Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty has been shown to be an effective technique to dilate renal artery lesions, particularly those due to fibromuscular dysplasia. However, four of 70 patients in this study experienced atypical responses to angioplasty. Their lesions initially resisted dilation and had incomplete dilatation immediately after angioplasty. Long-term follow-up (1 week to 2 years) angiograms, however, demonstrated fully dilated arteries. In cases of focal nonatherosclerotic lesions from intimal or adventitial fibroplasia, initial incomplete dilatation may be satisfactory in the long term whereas repeated inflations may result in undesirable complications.

A simple method of selective catheterization of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) following antegrade puncture of the common femoral artery is described. The method entails using a Cope-type dilator introducer, which directs the guide wire from its side hole into the SFA while the tip is secured in the deep femoral artery.

Small-volume right atrial injections of contrast material (25 ml) delivered at a high rate (30-35 ml) were routinely performed for digital subtraction angiography in 232 studies (698 injections). Excellent opacification of the aorta and peripheral arteries was consistently obtained. Superior opacification following right atrial injections compared with peripheral or superior vena cava boluses was confirmed in animal experiments.

No abstract