Transluminal angioplasty: indications and overview

Reasons for the slow acceptance of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty over the past 20 years are multiple and include the lack of understanding of the changes in the arterial wall caused by angioplasty. Factors responsible for the present popularity of the technique include a better understanding of the pathophysiology of catheter dilatation of an artery, more efficient catheters and monitors, increasing experience and competence of angiographers, better drugs to decrease spasm and thrombosis, greater knowledge of the immediate and long-term results and social pressure to reduce both cost and time in treating patients. The indications for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty are being standardized, as were the indications for reconstructive arterial surgery, and now the role of angioplasty should be understood by all physicians treating patients with arterial disease. The best results of this procedure are obtained with segmental occlusive lesions of the iliac, superficial femoral, coronary and renal arteries.