Evaluation of angiosome-targeted infrapopliteal endovascular revascularization in critical diabetic limb ischemia

Objective To evaluate the rates of wound healing and limb preservation following angiosome-targeted infrapopliteal endovascular revascularization in the treatment of diabetic limb ischemia. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data gathered from 102 infrapopliteal angioplasty cases (60 males and 42 females; mean age, 72 ± 11 years) with Fontaine IV ischemia (ankle-brachial index, ABI: 0.16 ± 0.06). Forty-seven angioplasties were performed based on the angiosome concept (direct revascularization, DR), while 55 did not incorporate the angiosome concept (indirect revascularization, IR). The curative effects of angioplasty were assessed by postoperative determinations of ABI performed every 3 months during clinical follow-up visits conducted to assess healing of the ischemic wound. Amputation and death events were recorded throughout the study. Results All 102 patients were successfully revascularized without complications, and during a mean follow-up period of 18 ± 11 months, the mean postoperative ABI improved to 0.84 ± 0.10. The postoperative 6 and 12 month healing rates in the DR group were 85.1% and 93.5%, respectively, while the limb-salvage rates were 100% and 93.5%, respectively. The postoperative 6 and 12 month healing rates in the IR group were 60% and 76.4%, respectively, while the limb-salvage rates were 90.1%, and 85.5%, respectively. Conclusion Angiosome-based Infrapopliteal angioplasty was associated with better wound healing and higher rates of limb salvage in cases of critical diabetic foot ischemia. Revascularization should be provided to patients who have undergone indirect perfusion of the ischemic angiosome, as acceptable rates of limb salvage are obtained.