The Particulars: Previous research has not established the success rate for stenting of the superficial femoral artery (SFA).
Data Breakdown: An investigation conducted in Germany was performed, involving 517 patients who received 827 SFA stents in 543 limbs. More than three-quarters of patients (78%) were treated for claudication, and the remainder were treated for critical limb ischemia (CLI). At 1, 3, and 5 years, primary patency rates were 86%, 75%, and 61%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at the same time points were 95%, 90%, and 76%. At an average of 93.4 months follow up, 18.8% of patients died.
Take Home Pearl: More than half of patients treated with SFA stents for claudication or CLI appear to retain primary patency with their stents when assessed at 5 years.
