Long-Term Follow-up of Laser-Assisted Angioplasty: Analysis of Factors Influencing Restenosis and Patency

Abstract

In a prospective study 24 successful laser recanalizations of femoropopliteal occlusions (mean length, 10.4 cm ± 6.6) were followed up. Before recanaliza tion all patients were classified according to the Rutherford classification and after one year grouped as a clinical success or failure. From the present, the Rutherford classification appears to be useful in predicting long-term patency. The patients classified in the Rutherford categories 1 and 2 showed a long-term patency of 86%. The patients classified in the categories 3, 4, and 5 had a mean patency of only 30%. This difference was statistically significant. The length of the occlusion influenced neither the patency nor the restenosis rate. The mean occlusion length in the vessels that remained patent was 10.3 cm ± 6.6, compared with a mean occlusion length of 10.5 cm ± 6.7 for the vessels that showed a restenosis. Directly after the procedure, the mean patency of the successes was 83% and that of the failures was 63%. It is postulated that the influence of the laser and 20% overdilation can contribute to a better long-term patency.