The Role of Percutaneous Angioplasty in Ischemic Leg Ulcer Healing

The aim of our study was to evaluate the technical and clinical effectiveness of PTA in the management of ischemic foot ulcers.

Methods: All consecutive patients presenting with a foot ulcer at the outpatient Vascular surgery clinic of our hospital were evaluated. Preoperative evaluation included foot pulse assessment, ankle-brachial-index (ABI) and duplex scanning. If non-invasive parameters suggested peripheral arterial disease (PAD) anatomic imaging (CTA and/or DSA) was performed and a PTA was carried out when feasible during the same session. All patients were followed until healing, amputation, death, or for at least two years. Short-term and long-term clinical success of PTA was evaluated based on ulcer size and appearance. Patients with worsening ulcers after PTA underwent bypass grafting or amputation.

Inclusion criteria

• newly diagnosed patients with ischemic foot ulcer and
• patients aged 18 years or older.

Exclusion criteria

• refusal to participate
• refusal of PTA therapy
• lesions not amenable to endovascular revascularization by vascular team's consensus based on preinterventional imaging
• absolute contraindication to contrast media injection, as determined by the investigator
• uncontrollable coagulopathy
• unwilling or unable to provide informed consent or return for required follow-up evaluations and
• previous or concurrent participation in another clinical research study