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Use of abciximab during infrainguinal peripheral vascular interventions: initial experience
S William Stavropoulos1, Jeffrey A Solomon, Michael C Soulen
1Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 1 Silverstein, 3400 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19010, USA. stav@rad.upenn.edu
Purpose:
To investigate the use of abciximab as an adjunct during infrainguinal angioplasty.
Materials And Methods:
Abciximab was used in conjunction with recanalization techniques and angioplasty to treat stenoses or occlusions in 16 patients: 10 patients had high-grade stenoses or occlusions longer than 5 cm in the superficial femoral artery and popliteal artery, and six patients had stenoses or occlusions below the popliteal artery. All patients received a bolus of heparin after arterial access was achieved. Abciximab was administered by means of a weight-base nomogram that consisted of an initial bolus followed by an overnight infusion. Technical success was defined as a less than 30% residual stenosis after angioplasty. Patients were carefully followed up for possible postprocedural complications. Platelet counts were monitored for 24 hours.
Results:
Technical success was achieved in 15 (94%) of 16 patients. One occlusion of the superficial femoral artery could not be crossed. There was a mean postprocedural increase of 0.23 in the ankle-brachial index. There was no significant effect on platelet count. Two minor complications occurred. One major complication occurred; this was a groin hematoma, which required a blood transfusion.
Conclusion:
The use of abciximab as an adjunct during complex infrainguinal arterial interventions appears promising, on the basis of initial experience.