[Mid-term follow-up after placement of the new balloon-expendable VIP-stent into the iliac arteries].

Overview

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness and mid-term patency of VIP balloon expandable stents in patients with iliac occlusive disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August and December 1997, 26 balloon-expandable VIP (Medtronic) stainless steel vascular stents were implanted in 19 patients with iliac occlusive disease. 22 lesions in common iliac (n = 11), external iliac (n = 5), common iliac plus contralateral external iliac (n = 1), and unilateral common and external iliac (n = 2) arteries were stented, allowing 20 limbs for assessment. There were 18 stenoses and 4 occlusions in 7 female and 12 male patients (mean age 65 years, range 45-80). RESULTS: All lesions were treated satisfactorily, yielding a technical success rate of 100%. Primary patency was 91% (20/22) at 6 months. In 2 lesions restenoses (90% and 70%) were observed, requiring repeated angioplasty. Color Doppler analysis at 12 months revealed no further restenoses. CONCLUSION: The new VIP balloon-expandable stents achieve very good initial technical success and good mid-term patency in the treatment of iliac occlusive disease.