Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects 7 - 12% of the population aged over 50 years. Over an age of 60 years up to 20% are suffering from PAD in Western societies. Both, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and surgical repair (bypass graft, thrombectomy) are well established procedures to improve peripheral arterial perfusion. However, long-term results remain disappointing: Low patency-rates are associated with clinical deterioration. Moreover, clinical outcome is often limited by early major cardiovascular adverse events (myocardial infarction, stroke).