Case performed by Drs. Carell and Levin

Secondary (Assisted) Patency :

This gentleman had balloon angioplasty (PTA) of his Superficial Femoral Artery (SFA) approximately 18 months prior to presenting to the office with painful walking. He also has significant coronary artery disease and had bypass surgery and subsequent angioplasty of the coronary arteries. Also, he has significant heart failure and as a consequence cannot take Pletal for help with claudication.

Non-invasive Doppler ultrasound suggested severe Restenosis of the prior angioplasty site in the leg. This was confirmed with peripheral angiography. He then had successful repeat balloon angioplasty for Restenosis of the left Superficial Femoral Artery with an excellent angiographic result. He was not treated with stenting.

Note the visible collateral system in the left panel of the photo. The lesion in the SFA itself is nearly 100% closed. After successful treatment, the collaterals are no longer seen because of successful restoration of blood flow in the native vessel.