[Which therapeutic measures ensure good long-term results in arterial occlusive disease?]

The lumen-opening methods reconstructive operation, angioplasty and thrombolysis achieve their best long-term results in the region of the large iliofemoral arteries. After elimination of occlusions in arteries situated more peripherally, reobliterations are more frequent and not uncommonly associated with a deterioration in the course of the disease. Of the conservative measures, long-term benefit is to be expected primarily from continuous training. Pharmacotherapy with anticoagulants or inhibitors of thrombocyte function (acetylsalicylic acid) is likely to be successful in certain patients.