Background: Bilateral iliac artery obstructions involving the aortic bifurcation or high-grade stenosis of the abdominal aorta are not usually considered an indication for percutaneous treatment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the initial and long-term results of primary stent implantation for reconstruction of the aortic bifurcation.
Methods and results: In 48 patients with obstructions of the aortoiliac segment, primary stent implantation was performed with the "kissing balloon technique." Preinterventional angiography showed bilateral stenoses (>85%) of the proximal common iliac arteries in 25 patients, unilateral occlusions and contralateral stenosis in 22 patients, and bilateral occlusion in 1 patient. In 7 cases, stents were placed for the treatment of high-grade infrarenal aortic stenoses. After excimer laser-assisted recanalization of the common iliac artery obstructions, the aortic bifurcation was reconstructed with the bilateral simultaneous implantation of Palmaz stents (diameter, 7 to 8 mm). Stents used for the treatment of aortic stenoses (Palmaz, n=6; Gianturco, n=1) had a diameter ranging from 20 to 25 mm. In all patients, stents were placed successfully (residual stenosis <30%) and without complications. A clinical improvement of +2 to +3 according to American Heart Association criteria was observed in 41 and 7 patients, respectively. Follow-up was performed clinically (standardized treadmill testing and color-coded Doppler ultrasound) and angiographically. The primary angiographic patency rate (24-month follow-up) was 86.8%. In 3 patients, angiography revealed significant restenoses, which were successfully treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.
Conclusions: Primary stent implantation with the kissing balloon technique is safe and effective for the treatment of aortoiliac obstructions involving the aortic bifurcation and represents a true endovascular alternative to surgery.