New directions in percutaneous intervention for peripheral vascular disease

Balloon angioplasty is a safe and effective alternative to surgical reconstruction or bypass in selected patients with symptomatic iliofemoral and popliteal atherosclerosis. The current literature suggests an expanding role for balloon angioplasty in patients with symptomatic tibioperoneal disease as well as upper extremity claudication and subclavian steal syndrome. Newer percutaneous devices such as atherectomy, intravascular stents, and laser angioplasty may further broaden the indications for percutaneous intervention by improving their safety and long-term benefit. The latest advances in percutaneous intervention for peripheral vascular disease are reviewed.