[Indications and outcome effectiveness of transpopliteal angioplasty]

In this retrospective study, the results following angioplasty by the retrograde transpopliteal approach were evaluated to confirm the indications of this technique.

34 patients were evaluated. Of these 28 were male and 6 were female. Differences to a normal group of patients planned to have angioplasty are the different location of the puncture and on extremely negative selection.

Technical success was observed in 84%. A long-term patency ratio of 0.53 was achieved after 30 month. No complications relevant to the therapy were observed.

The transpopliteal approach is a safe and efficient alternative to femoral puncture if the latter is impossible. Compared to the crossover-technique, mechanical considerations favor this technique.