Vibrational angioplasty in recanalization of chronic femoropopliteal arterial occlusions: single center experience

Purpose: This prospective study aims to present the overall success rate, safety and long-term outcome of vibrational angioplasty technique, in the treatment of chronic total femoropopliteal occlusions in our institute.

Methods: Between October 2000 and December 2008, patients with chronic total femoropoliteal arterial occlusions, treated with vibrational angioplasty during the same session after a failed attempt with conventional recanalization technique, were included. Patient's follow up included serial ankle-brachial index measurements and arterial duplex ultrasound examinations at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months.

Results: Twenty-seven patients (16 males and 11 females) and twenty-eight lesions were included in our study. Twenty-five lesions (89.3%) were successfully recanalized. Pain relief was noticed in twenty-one cases. From ten lesions with tissue loss (ulcer or gangrene) in successfully recanalized occlusions, six healed without major, or minor amputation. One non-healing amputation stump was healed after recanalization, without further complications. Four limbs underwent amputation (one minor and three major) despite successful recanalization, however all had an excellent healing of the amputation stump without further complications. The Kaplan-Meier test demonstrated 90%, 85% and 70% amputation-free survival rate at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. No major or minor complications were encountered.

Conclusions: Vibrational angioplasty is a safe, effective and durable endovascular technique for the treatment of chronic total occlusions in patients with limb ischemia that would be difficult to recanalize using conventional intraluminal techniques.