Angioplasty versus bypass surgery in patients with critical limb ischemia-a meta-analysis

Xiaoyang Fu1, Zhidong Zhang1, Kai Liang1

  • 1Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Henan Provincial Hospital Zhengzhou 450003, China ; Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, The Affiliated People's Hospital, Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou 450003, China.

Insights

Angioplasty and bypass surgery offer similar amputation-free survival for critical limb ischemia (CLI). Angioplasty shows lower 30-day mortality, making it a potentially safer first choice for CLI patients.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Meta-Analysis

Background:

  • Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a severe peripheral artery disease with limited treatment options.
  • Angioplasty and bypass surgery are primary interventions, but their comparative benefit-risk profiles remain debated.
  • Evidence-based guidance is needed to inform clinical decision-making for CLI management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and safety of angioplasty versus bypass surgery for treating CLI.
  • To evaluate outcomes including mortality, amputation-free survival, leg salvage, and re-intervention rates.
  • To provide data supporting optimal treatment strategies for CLI patients.

Main Methods:

  • A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials comparing angioplasty and bypass surgery in CLI patients.
  • Searches conducted in PubMed and EMBASE databases (2000-2014) using relevant keywords.
  • Primary outcome: 5-year amputation-free survival; Secondary outcomes: mortality, re-interventions, and leg salvage at various time points.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in 5-year amputation-free survival between angioplasty and bypass surgery.
  • Angioplasty group had significantly lower 30-day mortality (3.3%) compared to bypass surgery (6.1%).
  • No significant differences observed in long-term mortality, leg salvage, or re-vascularization rates between the two approaches.

Conclusions:

  • Angioplasty is non-inferior to bypass surgery for critical limb ischemia regarding amputation-free survival and overall mortality.
  • Angioplasty presents a safer, less invasive, and potentially more cost-effective option.
  • Angioplasty should be considered the preferred initial treatment for eligible CLI patients.

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