[Primary femoral recanalization using a slowly rotating catheter system]

Over a period of 2 years, 26 patients with chronic occlusions of the superior femoral and popliteal arteries were referred for recanalization. In two cases, the origin of the superior femoral artery could not be detected. A primary recanalization was achieved in 21 of 24 patients by the catheter system used by us (Viadyn). A stent (extensor) had to be implanted in one case because of a considerable lesion of the intima. A short-term clot lysis was indicated for another patient. On the basis of our results, rotation angioplasty with a slowly rotating catheter system seems to be the therapeutic method of choice for chronic arterial occlusions in the thigh.