The Rio Study is a randomized, double blinded German- Swiss- Austria multi-centre trial on the efficacy and safety of ReoPro together with interventional recanalization of TASC D lesions in the SFA and popliteal artery.

Purpose: The RIO trial is designed to test the efficacy of GP IIb/IIIa blockade on subacute reocclusions in patients with interventional recanalization of chronic occlusions in the superficial femoral and popliteal artery.

Methods: A total of 420 patients will be randomly assigned to ReoPro or placebo. Patients will be eligible for randomisation with occlusions longer than 5 cm. Doppler ultrasound follow-up will be at 30 days, and after 6, and 12 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a history of peripheral artery disease with superficial femoral or popliteal artery occlusion, which mandates PTA or stent administration as first treatment modality. The history of peripheral artery occlusion has to be at least 6 weeks, and the target vessel occlusion has to be more than 5 centimeters in length.
• Age between 18 and 90 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute limb ischemia
• Subacute ischemia with requires thrombolysis as first treatment modality
• Active bleeding or known bleeding diathesis
• Known severe hepatic or renal disorder (liver cirrhosis, stage B, C or serum creatinine > 2.5 mg%)
• Hyperthyreosis
• Diabetes mellitus treated with metformin
• Known heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT, type 2)
• Female sex with childbearing potential
• Major surgery or trauma in past 6 weeks
• History of stroke within the previous 2 years, or any stroke with a residual neurological deficit, or other CNS abnormality (e.g., intracranial neoplasm, arteriovenous malformation, or aneurysm)
• Gastrointestinal or genitourinary bleeding of clinical significance within the previous 6 weeks
• Administration of oral anticoagulants within the previous 7 days unless prothrombin time is < 1.2 times control (or international normalized ratio [INR] <1.4), or ongoing treatment with oral anticoagulants
• History of bleeding diathesis of platelet count < 100,000/mm3
• Arteriovenous malformations or aneurysms
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension (treated sys. BP > 200 mm Hg, diast. BP > 100 mm Hg)
• Hypertensive or diabetic retinopathy
• Vasculitis
• Known autoimmune disorders
• Patient with aspirin intolerance
• Contraindication or known allergic reactions to abciximab or murine proteins
• Co-existent condition associated with a limited life expectancy (e.g., advanced cancer, end-stage congestive heart failure)
• Participation in another clinical research study involving the evaluation of another investigational drug or device within 7 days prior to enrollment
• Patient who has previously received a GP IIb/IIIa antagonist