Methods: A total of 45 patients (39 males, 6 females; mean age 58±7.2 years; range 41 to 71 years) in whom femoral artery occlusion was treated by biodegradable stents between January 2010 and December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. The Ankle Brachial Index scores were recorded at baseline and at one week, one month, sixth month, and one year, postoperatively. The patients were divided into two groups according to the postoperative sixmonth arterial Doppler ultrasonography findings: group 1 (n=10) had no flow or monophasic flow, and group 2 (n=35) had biphasic or triphasic flow pattern. Additional treatments after postoperative sixth month in group 1 were also noted.

Results: Restenosis developed in 10 patients (22%) within postoperative six months. Although the number of smokers was significantly higher in group 1 (p=0.048), no relationship was found between diabetes and restenosis. The presence of coronary artery disease (p=0.049) and elevated triglycerides (p=0.035) were found to be risk factors of restenosis. More than one stenting was a predisposing factor of restenosis (p=0.033).

Conclusion: Our study results show that being under the age of 60 years, elevated triglyceride levels, and smoking are the risk factors for restenosis in those with peripheral arterial disease. In addition, the presence of coronary artery disease increases the risk of restenosis. However, biodegradable stent implantation yielded unsatisfactory results in those with long-segment stenosis and advanced disease; therefore, we recommend further large-scale studies to improve the procedural outcomes.