The clinical criterion for study entry was symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) with either severe intermittent claudication (Rutherford class 3) or chronic critical limb ischemia with rest pain (Rutherford class 4) or ischemic ulcers (Rutherford class 5)1. Anatomic inclusion criteria, based upon findings on biplane DSA at the time of intervention, were a >50% stenosis or occlusion of the ipsilateral SFA with a target lesion length above 30mm, and at least one patent (<50% stenosis) tibio-peroneal run-off vessel. Exclusion criteria were acute critical limb ischemia, previous bypass surgery or stenting of the SFA, untreated inflow disease of the ipsilateral pelvic arteries (>50% stenosis or occlusion), and known intolerance of study medications or contrast agent.