OUTCOME ANALYSIS FOLLOWING TIBIAL ANGIOPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH CRITICAL LIMB ISCHEMIA- A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE

Background:Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) affects a major proportion of our elderly population and is a main cause for limb loss and morbidity. PAD can be managed by conservative, surgical and endovascular methods. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stenting has become a recognized method, which is increasingly used in treatment of arterial occlusive disease. Aim:Our study aimed to analyse the outcome following endovascular intervention in patints with infrapopliteal lesions. Methods: The study included 29 patients (21 men and 8 females; mean age 62 years, range 38?84) with CLI (class 4 to 6 according to Rutherford). The primary study endpoints were wound healing, preventing major amputation and relief of rest pain. Results:Major amputation was avoided in 26 patients, 21 patients(72%) were relieved of rest pain. In 3 patients procedure was converted to open bypass. There were no cases of systemic complications and death during the follow-up period. Primary patency at 1 month was 72% and at 6 months 48%. Conclusion:Our data showed that endovascular intervention of infrapopliteal disease is an effective and safe treatment in patients with CLI, especially in those who are not fit for an open procedure.