Researchers compared the long-term outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), a supervised exercise program (SEP) and combined treatment (PTA + SEP) in patients with intermittent claudication due to femoropopliteal disease. Assessments were completed for 111 patients at a median follow-up of 5.2 years. Sixty-nine patients were symptomatic, and 18 patients had experienced a major cardiovascular event. Improvement in the ankle brachial pressure index was observed in all groups. PTA and PTA + SEP groups had a significantly higher ABPI than the SEP group. No significant differences between groups were found in treadmill walking distances, VascuQol quality-of-life outcomes, restenosis rates or new ipsilateral and contralateral lesions on duplex imaging. Reinterventions were required for 14 patients in the PTA group, 10 patients in the SEP group and six patients in the combined treatment group.
From the article of the same title British Journal of Surgery (01/01/17) Mazari, F. A. K.; Khan, J. A.; Samuel, N.; et al.
Source: This Week @ ACFAS