[Percutaneous transluminal revascularization of lower-leg arteries]

In 19 of more than 130 patients treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), obstructions of the distal popliteal artery and the lower leg arteries encouraged us to extend the treatment to this vascular region. Two weeks after PTA the arteries were patent in 16 of the 19 cases (84%). These results are comparable with those of vascular surgery, but are gained with less injury to the patient and a shorter hospitalization time.