ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of pepliteal artery endovascular angioplasty for the treatment of diabetic foot. Methods 65 cases (69 limbs) of diabetic foot were treated by long bloon endovascular angioplasty. Results No death occured. 60 cases (64 limbs) were successfully treated and 5 cases (5 limbs) failed. The imme-diately success rate was 92.75%. The pain relieved, the temperature was improved and the ankle brachial index (ABI) was up to 0.84±0.11. Anterior tibial artery or posterior tibial artery of 39 limbs could be touched. 21 limbs were cured by debride and change dressings. 10 limbs were cured after the gangrene was ablated. 6 limbs were cured after the gangrene was debrided. 22 limbs were cured after toe amputation. Half of the foot was amputated. No limb was amputated. Every month was further consulted by Doppler and the rate of follow upwas 100%. 6 limbs of 6 cases were reobliterated (1,1,2,2 cases occurred after 1,6,12,18 month respectively.) and treated by endovascular an-gioplasty again. Conclusion Endovascular angioplasty below the knees for the treatment of diabetic foot is an effec-tive method for the limbs saving, with minimal invasive, safety, less complication and retreatment. It can be used as a first choice for the artery obliteration of diabetic foots.