ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effect of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty(PTA) by minor-caliber and long balloon on diabetic patients with below-knee artery. Methods 16 consecutive DM patients(21 limbs)were treated with PTA by minor-caliber and long balloon and followed 7 months(1 ～22 months). The success rate,complication,clinical effects and the changes of ABI were investigated and analyzed. Results The technical success rate is 90.5% (19/21) ,no serious complication occurred. The clinical symptoms of all patients improved after successful PTA. The median ABI marginally increased from the baseline value of (0.31 ±0. 15) to (0.57 ±0.23) after intervention,the difference is significant (P ＜ 0.05). Post-operative pain in patients with rest pain disappeared 9 (60.0%), relieved 4 (26.7%), reduce 2 (13.3 %). Ulcer healing in patients with foot gangrene 4 (66.7 %), Ulcer area was significantly reduced 1 (16.7%), high amputation 1 (16.7%). Postoperative follow-up, two limbs reoperation because of increased symptoms. Conclusion The treatment of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty by minorcaliber and long balloon was effective on diabetic patients with below-knee arterial disease.