Superficial femoral artery: current treatment options

Eur Radiol. 2006 Jun;16(6):1316-22. doi: 10.1007/s00330-005-0111-3. Epub 2006 Feb 18.

Abstract

Treatment of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) has been among the least effective of all endovascular procedures in terms of long-term patency. The relatively small vessel lumen, in conjunction with a high plaque burden, slow flow, and a high frequency of primary occlusions, contributes to a considerable rate of acute technical failures. Because of these technical limitations a much effort has been made during the past years. This manuscript should summarize the hopes and limitations of different approaches such as brachytherapy, cutting balloons, stents and stent grafts, drug-eluting stents, and drug-coated balloons.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Equipment Design
  • Femoral Artery / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Peripheral Vascular Diseases / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Stents
  • Vascular Patency
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures