Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of stenosis at the common iliac artery origin using a single-balloon technique

The "kissing balloon" technique has been recommended for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of common iliac stenoses located at or near the aortic bifurcation, because of the theoretical risk of contralateral embolization or stenosis if a single balloon is used. A single-balloon technique was used to dilate 20 atherosclerotic stenoses at this site in 19 patients. Technical success was achieved in 18. No complications occurred. Follow-up studies at intervals ranging from three to 51 months showed a patency rate similar to that achieved with the kissing balloon method. We believe that the use of kissing balloons is unnecessary since single-balloon angioplasty is safe and effective.