Vienna Absolute Trial: Balloon Angioplasty Versus Stenting in the Superficial Femoral Artery

Minimal invasive treatment (called \"endovascular\") of the arteries of the lower limb remains problematic, because recurrent disease (\"restenosis\") frequently leads to recurrent symptoms. As yet, balloon angioplasty remains the recommended strategy to revascularize the superficial femoral artery (artery of the thigh). We investigated whether the use of a vascular endoprosthesis (\"stent\") improves patients´ outcome. Study hypothesis: Primary stenting with self expanding nitinol stents may improve patency after endovascular treatment of superficial femoral artery obstructions compared to balloon angioplasty with optional stenting.