Hemodynamic measurements in the evaluation and follow-up of transluminal angioplasty of the iliac and femoral arteries

Intra-arterial pressure measurements and ankle pressure indices (determined by Doppler ultrasound) were used to evaluate the hemodynamic response after transluminal angioplasty of the iliac and superficial femoral arteries. Intra-arterial pressure was the best determinant of the end point and technical success of the procedure, while improvement in the ankle pressure index was a good predictor of clinical success. Patients with clinical improvement had a significant increase in ankle pressure regardless of the status of peripheral runoff, while those without improvement did not; they demonstrated impaired distal runoff and required further surgical intervention. Peripheral Doppler pressures also provided a convenient noninvasive method of long-term follow-up.