ABSTRACT
There are numerous ways to get into trouble during the course of a balloon angioplasty procedure. Appropriate patient selection and lesion selection remain the two most important factors in preventing problems. However, premature loss of guidewire access, overdilatation of a lesion, thrombus generation caused by inadequate flushing or lengthy catheter times, and many other avoidable problems may occur. The best way to ensure success is to treat endovascular operations with the same selectivity, preparation, and methodical approach that is required for open operations. Balloon angioplasty may also help prevent or manage problems. It serves as a valuable adjunct to mechanical and laser atherectomy and also in the use of stents.
