Outcomes after implantation of superflexible nitinol stents in the superficial femoral artery

ABSTRACT Background Endovascular interventions in the superficial femoral artery for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease have increased over the last decades. The first- and second-generation stents in the superficial femoral artery have failed to demonstrate improved patency of the treated vessel due to high fracture rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, short-term outcomes of using third-generation superflexible nitinol stents in the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions in the superficial femoral artery. Methods This was a retrospective study carried out in a single center, from June 2013 to May 2014. A total of 27 patients underwent angioplasty with third-generation, superflexible nitinol stents in atherosclerotic lesions of the superficial femoral artery. Results The mean age was 68 ± 12 years, 55.6% were females, and 74.1% were diabetics. Patients were classified as TASC B and C in 77.7% of cases. Technical success was 100%. There was an increase in the ankle-brachial index from 0.35 ± 0.1 before the intervention to 0.75 ± 0.2 at hospital discharge. The mean follow-up of patients was 6.7 ± 2.3 months. The primary patency rate was 96.3%. The limb salvage rate was 100%. There were no stent fractures documented by X-rays. Conclusions Angioplasty with third-generation superflexible nitinol stent placement was shown to be effective in the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of the superficial femoral artery.