Systematic versus selective stent placement after superficial femoral artery balloon angioplasty: a multicenter prospective randomized study.

Purpose: Outcome with selective or systematic stenting with the Palmaz vascular stent was compared in patients with limb-threatening ischemia or persistent disabling claudication despite medical therapy, with less than 7 cm stenosis or occlusion of the superficial femoral artery.

Methods: This was a multicenter prospective randomized trial with centralized allocation of treatment and independent review of vascular events. The primary end point was presence of more than 50% stenosis at 1-year angiographic follow-up.