Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting in the treatment of critical lower extremity ischemia of arteriosclerosis obliterans.
Methods: From April 2005 to May 2006, PTA and stenting was performed on 29 limbs of 24 patients with critical lower limb ischemia. Among all these patients, their main clinical symptom was rest pain, while ulceration and gangrene were also found in 12 patients. Four limbs underwent PTA, 4 limbs underwent prosthetic femoral-popliteal bypass with infrapopliteal balloon dilatation simultaneously, and the remaining 21 limbs were performed by PTA and stent placement.
Results: The success rate of endovascular procedure was 100% for femoral-popliteal artery, and 88% for infrapopliteal artery. Rest pain disappeared and the ulcers were healed after the operations. Only 1 patient received amputation during the operation.
Conclusion: Endovascular therapy is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of critical lower limb ischemia.