Endovascular recanalization of the aorto-iliac segment: imaging and approaches

Endovascular catheter techniques are most useful and successful in the aorto-iliac arteries. As in other territories, wire recanalization, balloon angioplasty, and endoluminal stent placement are most applicable. For the surgeon, imaging considerations are most important since the operating room must be equipped with the proper capabilities for endovascular surgery. Techniques of catheterization and angiographic visualization of the arteries must be learned and understood clearly before these procedures are undertaken. A variety of occlusive lesions involving the aorta and iliac arteries can be treated adequately by means of nonsurgical catheter-based methods which add a significant new dimension to the vascular surgeon.