Long-term results of intraoperative balloon dilatation.
A review was conducted of 61 patients who underwent intraoperative balloon dilatation over the past five years. Of the 62 dilatations in this patient group, 80% were performed in conjunction with a reconstructive procedure, and 20% were performed as a primary procedure. Dilatations were performed with the linear extrusion balloon catheter. A 94% rate of followup was achieved, with a mean followup of 16.3 months (range 1-60 months). Life table analysis reveals a 95% initial success rate decreasing to an 81% patency rate by the end of the fifth year for iliac dilatations, a 97% initial and 58% five-year patency rate for superficial femoral dilatations, and an 86% initial and 37% five-year patency rate for popliteal dilatations. 21.3% of the patients died during the followup period. No deaths occurred as a result of intraoperative angioplasty. One arterial rupture occurred, requiring a bypass graft at the same surgery. We conclude that intraoperative balloon dilatation in an adjunctive setting may offer clinical benefits to vascular patients while requiring little additional operative time.