Abstract
As the initial success rate of endovascular treatment of femoro-popliteal lesion has reached nearly 100%, including chronic total occlusion, long-term patency has become the main concern. For this purpose, vessel preparation is one of the most important factors for final success with all devices, including bare metal stents, drug eluting stents, drug eluting balloons, and VIABAHN. Debulking devices are available in Western countries, but not in Japan, where only scoring balloons are available. There are currently 4 different scoring balloons, NSE, Angiosculpt, Scoreflex, and Cutting balloons, in use. Proper usage of each type to reduce dissection and increase the inner lumen is necessary for initial success and long-term patency.
