Role of infra-popliteal balloon angioplasty in the management of critical limb ischemia

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patency rate and effectiveness of the percuatanous trans-luminal angioplasty [PTA] as a primary therapy for infra-popliteal occlusive disease. Twenty patients had angioplasty for Critical lower limb ischemia due to infra-popliteal disease between May 2005 - May 2007. We collected data on patient demography, symptoms, as will as pre and post procedure ankle - brachial pressure index [ABI] and angiographic findings. Thirteen men and 7 women had a mean age of 62 years. Risk factors included smoking in 70%, diabetes in 60%, hypertension in 40%, and end -stage renal disease in 1%. The indication for intervention were persistent rest pain in 50%, foot ulcer 30% and gangrene of foot or toes 20%. Immediate results were good in 19 patients with one case of technical failure .Three patients had restenosis at mean period of 7 months. There was one major and three minor amputations. Average follow up was11.2 months. The mean post procedural increase in ABI was 0.29. PTA of the infra-popliteal vessels has low morbiditiy, high success rate, and acceptable patency rate