[Endovascular treatment of lower limb ischemia]

Endovascular technique has been successfully and widely used in the treatment of iliac artery occlusion. The clinical values of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and stenting are still under investigation. Although the endovascular treatment of femoral and popliteal arteries has lower mid- and long-term patency rates than that of by-pass operation, its minimal invasiveness and easy repeatability are still encouraging. The decision of the endovascular treatment of popliteal artery should be made in a prudent manner. Its mid- and long-term efficacy on the treatment of lower extremities still lacks data from multi-center and prospective studies. However, considering its effectiveness in alleviating the pain suffered by patients with persisting diabetic feet, it can still be used in clinical practice.