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

Abstract EN

Objective: 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.

Patients and methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: PTA of the infra-popliteal vessels has low morbiditiy, high success rate ,and acceptable patency rate.