Search

Since the publication of the TASC document in 2000, several new devices have been developed which may improve the outcome of endovascular therapy in the SFA increasing the success rate and especially reducing the incidence of restenosis. Therefore, the use of endovascular treatment in TASC A and B lesions may become the norm. Brachytherapy seems to reduce the restenosis rate in restenotic lesions but, compared to other approaches, afterloading therapy is very time-consuming and complicated. The literature on cutting balloons and cryoplasty is very limited, so that a final conclusion can not be drawn. Self-expanding nitinol stents clearly showed improved patency rates compared to balloon angioplasty. The clinical relevance of stent fractures is currently unclear, but may yet limit the role of stents in the SFA. In early/mid 2006 a revised TASC document will be published. It will generally be more in favour of interventional treatment over the surgical approach. The document will take into account the new data which are summarized in this chapter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]