Balloon Angioplasty and Stenting

Abstract

In 1964, Charles Dotter and Melvin Judkins performed the first successful transluminal angioplasty of a superficial femoral artery stenosis. Since then, techniques of revascularization have been the cornerstone of interventional radiology (IR) practices. Angioplasty became a more recognized therapy in the mid-1970s, and in the ensuing 40 years, there have been continual advancements in this technology, resulting in highly sophisticated devices that are now available in IR suites around the world. The array of materials available is constantly evolving, as are the various uses of balloons and stents. In addition to their use in restoring patency of occluded or stenotic arteries and veins, balloons and stents are employed to restore patency in other structures, including bile ducts and ureters. In this chapter, properties of these commonly used tools and indications for their use are discussed in detail.