[Intra-arterial procaine injection in peripheral arterial disease]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Pain Management
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) causes chronic pain and limits mobility.
• WHO Step III medication is often insufficient for severe PAD pain.
• This case explores an alternative treatment for intractable PAD pain.

Observation:

• A 61-year-old woman with severe PAD pain, unable to walk over 100m, was treated.
• She received sonographically guided procaine injections into bilateral femoral arteries.
• Pain relief was immediate and sustained for 4 weeks post-initial injection.

Findings:

• A repeat injection 4 weeks later provided sustained pain relief for 6 months.
• The treatment demonstrated significant efficacy in managing chronic limb pain.
• Ultrasound guidance ensured precise delivery of the anesthetic agent.

Implications:

• Sonographically guided procaine injections represent a promising therapeutic option for PAD.
• This technique may offer an alternative to more invasive procedures or systemic medication.
• Further research into this minimally invasive approach for vascular pain is warranted.