[Transluminal dilatation by surgeons. Technique, results and advantages]

From January 1990 to December 1992, 25 balloon angioplasties were performed in the Department of Surgery, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The indications were claudication in 19, and limb salvage in 6 patients. In 4 patients, the stenosis was dilated in association with a femoropopliteal bypass (2 patients) or an intraluminal stent (2 patients). The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 36 months with a cumulated patency rate of 81%. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for atherosclerotic lesions of the lower extremity is associated with a good success rate. Important variables influencing patency include indications, site and extent of lesion and whether the responsible lesion is stenotic or occlusive. The advent of endovascular surgery has transformed the landscape of vascular disease management. In so doing it has confused the border between the various medical specialties. The decision to use transluminal angioplasty, should be a joint decision between surgeon and radiologist, but transluminal angioplasty should be part of the vascular surgeon's armamentarium.