[Treatment of femoro-popliteal thrombosis by peripheral angioplasty. Value of the laser].

In a series of 197 dilatations of the peripheral arteries performed over a 5-year period (1980-1985), 38 concerned complete thrombosis (less than 12 cm long) of the femoral and popliteal arteries. While in patients with femoral stenosis (n = 49) the primary success rate was 95 p. 100 with an annual recurrence rate of 8 p. 100, in patients with complete thrombosis the primary success rate was only 52 p. 100, and the recurrence rate was 30 p. 100 at 6 months. Such results would justify the use of new therapeutic methods. Percutaneous laser thermal angioplasty is now being evaluated, and it appears that the primary success rate is considerably increased by combined laser and balloon angioplasty. Recurrences raise a much more complex problem and require a multifactorial management with improved dilatation techniques, anti-platelet or anticoagulant treatment, abstention from smoking and close surveillance.