Pedal-plantar Loop Technique for Below-the-ankle Arterial Occlusion / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To assess the feasibility and efficiency of pedal-plantar loop technique in the treatment of below-the-ankle arterial occlusion . Methods A retrospective analysis was undertaken on 12 cases ( 14 legs ) of below-the-ankle arterial occlusion.The pedal-plantar loop angioplasty was performed in all the cases .Balloon angioplasty was performed after traversing through the arterial obstruction sites using antegrade or retrograde technique .After 6 months of the surgery , the results of visual analogue scale , dorsal or plantar arterial pulse volume scores , ankle brachial index , TcPO2 , and healing of the ulcer were compared to preoperative measures. Results Technical success was achieved in 9 cases (11 legs).During follow-up, 1 patient died of cerebrovascular events 2 months after the therapy .The other 8 cases (10 legs) were followed up for 6 months and no one had recurrent ischemic symptoms . The results of visual analogue scale , ankle brachial index, and TcPO2 before the surgery were (5.68 ±1.09) points, 0.60 ±0.04, and (25.71 ±5.25) mm Hg, which were improved to (0.44 ±0.27) points, 0.87 ±0.05, and (35.90 ±5.28) mm Hg (P<0.05).Dorsal or plantar arterial pulse volume scores were also enhanced markedly (P=0.004).Complete ulcer healing was observed in 8 limbs.No related complication was observed in other patients after the surgery .One technical unsuccessful patient who suffered infection and severe rest pain was given leg amputation . Conclusion Pedal-plantar loop technique is an effective therapy for below-the-ankle arterial occlusion while long term follow-up data need to be collected .