[Vascular endoprosthesis of femoro-popliteal occlusive disease]

A self-expanding vascular endoprosthesis (wall stent) was implanted in 26 patients with femoropopliteal occlusive disease following recurrent stenosis or occlusion after percutaneous angioplasty. Implantation was successful in all cases and there were no complications. Five of the 26 patients developed a thrombosis in the first nine days; in four of these, thrombolysis was successful. Patency rate after one month was 96%, after three months 95%, after six months 85% and after nine months 87%. In order to prevent thrombosis after implantation, anticoagulant therapy is indicated. Poor distal flow encourages intimal hyperplasia and therefore recurrences.