This small monograph, consisting of 11 chapters written by 44 contributors, deals with the technique, indications, contraindications, complications, and evaluation of percutaneous vascular recanalization used in patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans of the lower extremities. Originally described by Dotter in the United States, the method has been given a much more extensive clinical trial in Europe. In fact, even at present, few vascular centers in the United States support this therapeutic approach. As a result, all of the contributors to this volume but one are either from Switzerland, Germany, or Austria.
In essence, the procedure consists of the nonsurgical dilation of stenosed arteries or of creation of a new lumen in occluded vessels (recanalization) by means of transluminal dilation, the method being carried out under local anesthesia. In recent years, the technique has become more refined with the introduction of balloon and double-lumen catheters. In response to the central expanding force