[The peripheral macroembolism as a complication of laser angioplasty of the arteries of the extremities--therapy using interventional radiologic measures].

From 1987 to 1989 in the Barmherzige Brüder Hospital in Linz/Austria 160 arteries of extremities were treated with laser-assisted balloon dilatation. During these interventions peripheral macroembolism occurred 8 times. The mean length of the recanalised segment was 8.7 cm and thus longer than average (6.5 cm). All 8 cases were successfully treated by aspiration or aspiration combined with local lysis. No adverse effects on long-term results were noted. In 4 cases an early occlusion of the recanalised segment was diagnosed within 48 hours after laser-assisted angioplasty, three times accompanied by embolism. These emboli, too, were removed by aspiration and lysis. To reduce the risk of embolisation strict rules of indication concerning the age of an occlusion have to be observed and mechanical trauma has to be minimised.