[Outpatient PTA in the treatment of arterial occlusive diseases]

The intention of the study was to demonstrate that outpatient PTA can be performed without additional risk in comparison with inpatient treatment.

From Jan. 1992 up to May 1994 outpatient percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed on 447 subjects suffering from peripheral arterial insufficiency (mostly stage IIb disease, in few cases stage III and IV for limb salvage). 4 weeks after treatment patients were investigated by questionnaire on the following topics: enlightenment on the procedure, post-procedure complications, physical condition and repetition of the PTA in case of recurrence.

Immediate technical success was achieved in 407 patients (91%). Complications were recorded in 30 (6.7%) procedures, most of them being minor 22 (4.9%). 8 patients (1.8%) with major complications required hospitalisation. Three of them (0.7%) underwent operation. Catheter treatment was extended by local fibrinolytic therapy in another three cases (0.7%). The questionnaire was returned by 196 patients (44%). 97% found the enlightenment on the procedure adequate. 2% suffered from post-procedure complications. Recurrence was reported in 1%. Clinical improvement was reported in 92%. In case of restenosis or reocclusion 95% would repeat the procedure as outpatient angioplasty.

Outpatient PTA can be performed on selected patients on condition that post-procedure care is guaranteed. In our experience there is neither a lower success rate nor a higher complication rate as compared to the inpatient treatment.