Current status of transluminal angioplasty

Although the published results of transluminal angioplasty have been satisfactory, its role in the practice of vascular surgery has not been well documented. Of 137 members of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery polled, 102 (74.5%) responded to a questionnaire drawn up to assess the current status of transluminal angioplasty in Canada. Of 1343 angioplasties reported, 64% were iliac, 21% femoral, 12% renal and 3% of other arteries. Claudication was the indication in 80%, limb salvage in 20%. In 15% angioplasty was used as an adjunct to subsequent arterial surgery. The lesion and results of treatment were assessed by clinical, noninvasive and pressure-gradient evaluation in most hospitals. Complications varied widely, reflecting the large number of physicians reporting. Most angioplasties were performed by vascular radiologists, and joint decision-making by radiologist and surgeon was the most common approach. The use of angioplasty increased in hospitals carrying out the most intensive evaluation, suggesting that it should have an expanded role.