Miniinvasive technologies in the treatment of critical limb ischemia
The natural course of critical limb ischemia (CLI) leads to a bad prognosis for the limb and the patient's life. Within 6 months 25% of the patients die, 30% of the survivors undergo a large amputation, and 20% continue suffering from CLI. We have used subintimal angioplasty (SA) for recanalization of extended chronic arterial occlusions. We propose a method of directed SA of the shin artieries, which allows reconstitution of blood flow to the trophic defect zone. This is particularly relevant for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who have poorly developed collateral blood supply of the foot. The results of 255 endovascular interventions in patients with CLI have been analyzed. The success rate of transluminal balloon angioplasty amounted to 93%. In 65% of cases no CLI recurrence was observed within 1 year, which is comparable to the results of surgical revascularization.