A 77 year old lady presented with history of severe rest pain in both lower limbs. Both femoral artery pulsations were absent. Colour Doppler ultrasound study revealed critical stenosis of the infra renal abdominal aorta. Under local anesthesia, the right superficial femoral artery was cannulated, and a guide wire placed across the stenosis. A large balloon was used to dilate the lesion. At the end of the procedure, there was less than 10% residual stenosis at the site of narrowing. The entire procedure lasted for 20 minutes. The patient had immediate recovery of all pulses in both lower limbs. She was discharged from hospital after 48 hours.

A 48 year old forest guard, heavy smoker, presented with history of severe pain in the gluteal region whilst walking. Both femoral arteries not palpable. There was a critical stenosis in the abdominal aorta just before its bifurcation. The lesion was dilated with a balloon, and a large Palmaz stent was positioned, with an excellent post angioplasty result. Patient resumed his normal activities after a week.