Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the abdominal aortic bifurcation.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of the abdominal aortic bifurcation was performed in three patients with atherosclerotic disease. All three patients had experienced severe claudication on exertion. The dilatations were performed with Gruntzig balloon catheters after determination of a significant pressure gradient (greater than 20 mm Hg) across the stenotic lesions. Follow-up at 9, 12, and 23 months revealed no recurrent symptoms. Balloon dilatation of the distal abdominal aorta is safe and effective and eliminates the risk of impotence that is common after vascular reconstruction.