11
Table 9. Postinterventional Medical Therapy in
Intermittent Claudication
Recommendations Grade
Level of
Evidence
In all patients after endovascular or open surgical
intervention for claudication, the SVS recommends
optimal medical therapy (antiplatelets agents, statins,
antihypertensives, control of glycemia, smoking cessation).
1 A
In patients undergoing lower extremity bypass (venous or
prosthetic), the SVS suggests treatment with antiplatelet
therapy (aspirin, clopidogrel, or aspirin plus clopidogrel).
2 B
In patients undergoing infrainguinal endovascular
intervention for claudication, the SVS suggests treatment
with aspirin and clopidogrel for ≥30 days.
2 B
Table 10. Surveillance After Interventions for
Intermittent Claudication
Recommendations Grade
Level of
Evidence
The SVS suggests that patients treated with open or
endovascular interventions for IC be monitored with a
clinical surveillance program that consists of an interval
history to detect new symptoms, ensure compliance
with medical therapies, record subjective functional
improvements, pulse examination, and measurement of
resting and, if possible, postexercise ABIs.
2 C
The SVS suggests that patients treated with lower extremity
vein grafts for IC be monitored with a surveillance program
that consists of clinical follow-up and duplex scanning.
2 C
The SVS suggests that patients who have previously
undergone vein bypass surgery for IC and have developed a
significant graft stenosis on duplex ultrasound be considered
for prophylactic reintervention (open or endovascular) to
promote long-term bypass graft patency.
1 C
