Aim
The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical effect of additional below-the-ankle angioplasty in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) attributed to pedal artery occlusion with insufficient wound blushing after conventional above-the-ankle percutaneous revascularization regarding the wound healing, amputation survival-free rate, limb salvage, and quality of life.
Patients and methods
This is a prospective observational study conducted over a period of 1 year including 21 patients who underwent below-the-ankle angioplasty.
Results
A total of 21 patients were included in the study; successful recanalization of the pedal-plantar arch was achieved in 19 (90.5%) patients, and complete wound healing was achieved in all patients. Primary and secondary patency rates after 1 year were 84.2 and 89.4%, respectively. Limb amputation rate at 1 year was 5.3%.
Conclusion
With the rapid advancement in the endovascular tools and equipment, angioplasty of the pedal arch can be a valuable revascularization strategy for adequate wound healing and limb salvage which in turn add an extra therapeutic option for patients with CLI to avoid major limb amputation.