OBJECTIVES: To describe the endovascular recanalization technique of the superficial femoral artery and perform a 3-year retrospective analysis of the technique. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the patients treated between 2001 and 2004, with the aim of obtaining the patency rates of the recanalizations. The sample consisted of 79 recanalized superficial femoral arteries in 61 patients, exclusively using the described technique and the same nitinol self-expanding stent model (Zilver, COOK). RESULTS: Of the 61 patients, 8% had critical lower limb ischemia and 92% had incapacitating claudication refractory to the clinical treatment. Clinical improvement was observed and reported by the patients in a direct correlation with the recanalization patency. The statistical analysis showed accumulated assisted primary patency rates of 98, 91 and 84% in 12, 24 and 37 months, respectively. The patency rates, considered as the continuous flow in the treated area, were 96, 93 and 93% in 12, 24 and 37 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We consider the recanalization technique of the superficial femoral artery a less invasive method, with few complications and considerable anatomic success and patency rates, which are able of promoting satisfaction and quality of life to patients with peripheral obstructive arterial disease.
Femoral artery; angioplasty; stents; intermittent; claudication
