Percutaneous recanalization of common iliac artery occlusions: an unacceptable complication rate?

Abstract

Transluminal recanalization was attempted on 10 patients with totally occluded common iliac arteries. Catheterization through the obstructed segment was successful in 5 cases. In 4 of these patients, dilatation resulted in a widely patent lumen. Embolization to the contralateral leg complicated 2 procedures. Even though this series is small, the incidence of embolic complication was so much greater than has been reported for other vessels that the routine use of angioplasty in this setting is questionable.