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Advanced endovascular techniques are increasingly being utilized to treat patients with peripheral arterial disease and chronic limb-threatening ischemia to improve lower extremity arterial perfusion. In diabetic patients, pedal arch patency has been associated with improved wound healing, limb salvage, and overall survival. Pedal-plantar loop revascularization is a technique that can restore arterial inflow between the dorsal and plantar arteries of the foot. This article will describe the inframallelolar arterial anatomy and focus on imaging, percutaneous endovascular techniques, and clinical study outcomes of pedal artery interventions., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Midfoot amputations are viable options for limb preservation in cases of forefoot infection, diabetic ulcers, critical limb ischemia, trauma, or malignancy to avoid major lower-extremity amputation. Each level of midfoot amputation has limitations to consider including wound healing problems, soft-tissue contracture, or need for revisional amputations. However, some of these facets can be addressed perioperatively. Each midfoot amputation has benefits as viable options for limb and functional preservation and to avoid major limb amputation. There currently is no set guideline for level of midfoot amputation in patients with critical limb ischemia. Levels of amputation are determined by multiple factors including but not limited to degree of tissue loss, vascular status, the ability to preserve function, surgeon experience, and pertinent patient factors. This approach to limb salvage is best performed from a multi-disciplinary perspective., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Pedal arch interrogation by ultrasound through systolic acceleration time measurement (Pedal Acceleration Time [PAT]) is a recently described technique that offers valuable insights into foot hemodynamics. Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between PAT and the ankle-brachial index and PAT has been proposed as a prognostic tool for wound healing in patients with peripheral artery disease. This study aims to assess the correlation between PAT and Transcutaneous Pressure of Oxygen (TcPO2) in the diabetic foot population., Methods: In this single-center cross-sectional study PAT and TcPO2 were measured in diabetic patients with ischemic foot ulcers. The assessment of wound status was performed between the 12th and 16th week after the first evaluation. The primary outcome was to assess the correlation between the values obtained for PAT and TcPO2. The secondary outcome was to establish a cut-off value for wound healing., Results: Sixty limbs with ischemic foot ulcers were evaluated. The results showed a correlation between PAT and TcPO2 [F (1.52) = 16.928; R 2  = 0.246; P < 0.001]. The receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed an optimal cut-off value at PAT >186 ms for predicting a nonhealing ulcer with a 96% specificity (area under the curve = 0.774; confidence interval 0.648-0.872; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: PAT showed a significant correlation with TcPO2 with high specificity to identify nonhealing foot ulcers due to insufficient foot perfusion with a potential prognostic value in the diabetic foot population., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Arterial perfusion is a key factor in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing. Although it is associated with pedal arch patency, not all patients are amenable to pedal artery angioplasty. This study aims to determine the impact of angiographic improvement of the pedal arch quality after proximal arterial inflow revascularization (PAIR) and its association with wound healing., Methods: One hundred and fifty diabetic patients with tissue loss in 163 limbs who had digital subtraction angiography were studied. Cox regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of wound healing. Wound healing rates in association with pedal arch patency were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis., Results: End-stage renal disease, minor amputation, and complete pedal arch patency were significant independent predictors of wound healing following PAIR with hazard ratios for failure: 3.02 (P = 0.008), 0.54 (P = 0.023), and 0.40 (P = 0.039), respectively. The prevalence of complete pedal arches increased by 24.1% with successful intervention (P < 0.001). The overall rates of wound healing at 6, 12, and 24 months were 36%, 64%, and 72%, respectively. The wound healing rate at 1 year in patients with a complete pedal arch was 73% compared to 45% in those with an absent pedal arch (P = 0.017)., Conclusions: PAIR increases complete pedal arch patency, a significant predictor of wound healing in DFU., (Crown Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia may require a transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) or a transtibial amputation. When making an amputation-level decision, these patients face a tradeoff-a TMA preserves more limb and may provide better mobility but has a lower probability of primary wound healing and may therefore result in additional same or higher level amputation surgeries with an associated negative impact on function. Understanding differences in how patients and providers prioritize these tradeoffs and other outcomes may enhance shared decision-making., Objectives: Compare patient priorities with provider perceptions of patient priorities using Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)., Methods: The MCDA Analytic Hierarchy Process was chosen due to its low cognitive burden and ease of implementation. We included 5 criteria (outcomes): ability to walk, healing after amputation surgery, rehabilitation program intensity, limb length, and ease of use of prosthetic/orthotic device. A national sample of dysvascular lower-limb amputees and providers were recruited from the Veterans Health Administration with the MCDA administered online to providers and telephonically to patients., Results: Twenty-six dysvascular amputees and 38 providers participated. Fifty percent of patients had undergone a TMA; 50%, a transtibial amputation. When compared to providers, patients placed higher value on TMA (72% vs. 63%). Patient versus provider priorities were ability to walk (47% vs. 42%), healing (18% vs. 28%), ease of prosthesis use (17% vs. 13%), limb length (11% vs. 13%), and then rehabilitation intensity (7% vs. 6%)., Limitations: Our sample may not generalize to other populations., Conclusions: Provider perceptions aligned with patient values on amputation level but varied around the importance of each outcome., Implications: These findings illuminate some differences between patients' values and provider perceptions of patient values, suggesting a role for shared decision-making. Embedding this MCDA framework into a future decision aid may facilitate these discussions., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: The angiosome concept is defined as the anatomical territory of a source artery within all tissue layers. When applying this theory in vascular surgery, direct revascularization (DR) is preferred to achieve increased blood flow toward the targeted angiosome of the foot in patients with lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD). This study evaluates the applicability of the angiosome concept using quantified near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green (ICG)., Methods: This study included patients undergoing an endovascular- or surgical revascularization of the leg between January 2019 and December 2021. Preinterventional and postinterventional ICG NIR fluorescence imaging was performed. Three angiosomes on the dorsum of the foot were determined: the posterior tibial artery (hallux), the anterior tibial artery (dorsum of the foot) and the combined angiosome (second to fifth digit). The angiosomes were classified from the electronic patient records and the degree of collateralization was classified based on preprocedural computed tomography angiography and/or X-ray angiography. Fluorescence intensity was quantified in all angiosomes. A subgroup analysis based on endovascular or surgical revascularized angiosomes, and within critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients was performed., Results: ICG NIR fluorescence measurements were obtained in 52 patients (54 limbs) including a total of 157 angiosomes (121 DR and 36 indirect revascularizations [IR]). A significant improvement of all perfusion parameters in both the directly and indirectly revascularized angiosomes was found (P-values between <0.001-0.007). Within the indirectly revascularized angiosomes, 90.6% of the scored collaterals were classified as significant. When comparing the percentual change in perfusion parameters between the directly and indirectly revascularized angiosomes, no significant difference was seen in all perfusion parameters (P-values between 0.253 and 0.881). Similar results were shown in the CLTI patients subgroup analysis, displaying a significant improvement of perfusion parameters in both the direct and indirect angiosome groups (P-values between <0.001 and 0.007), and no significant difference when comparing the percentual parameter improvement between both angiosome groups (P-values between 0.134 and 0.359). Furthermore, no significant differences were observed when comparing percentual changes of perfusion parameters in directly and indirectly revascularized angiosomes for both endovascular and surgical interventions (P-values between 0.053 and 0.899)., Conclusions: This study proves that both DR and IR of an angiosome leads to an improvement of perfusion. This suggests that interventional strategies should not only focus on creating in-line flow to the supplying angiosome. One can argue that the angiosome concept is not applicable in patients with LEAD., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In the setting of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), pedal arch interrogation by ultrasound has not been well described. Patients with noncompressible vessels and/or open wounds of the foot may preclude the use of ankle-brachial indices, toe pressure measurements, or TcPO2, respectively. We propose that pedal artery interrogations with Pedal Acceleration Time (PAT) can be a predictor for limb salvage in patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI)., Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively kept database was performed from 2018 to 2019. Patients with pending amputation due to severe infection (WIFI infection class 2 and 3) were excluded from the study. We identified 73 limbs with CLTI that fit the inclusion criteria. Data included WIFI classification, age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, PAT, ABI, and TBI when reliable, were collected. PAT measurements were categorized into 4 classifications; 1 (40-120 msec), 2 (121-180 msec), 3 (181-224 msec), and 4 (Greater than 225 msec). Statistical analyses were performed., Results: Seventy-three limbs with CLTI were included in our study. All patients underwent arterial revascularization with either percutaneous technique or arterial bypass. Limb salvage was achieved in 59 (81%) of the 73 limbs. All 59 limbs had a 2-classification improvement in their PAT following interventions. A total of 14 (19%) limbs without improvement in their PAT underwent above ankle level amputations. An improvement in PAT classes to class 1 or 2 is associated with limb salvage., Conclusions: Patients with noncompressible ankle pressures or nonobtainable toe pressures poses a challenge in the complete assessment of WIFI classification. Our group has shown that PAT can be used in the scoring system for severity of ischemia in conjunction with current WIFI classification. Our data suggests that limb salvage correlates with post procedure PAT in category 1 and 2. Therefore we propose that PAT be added as part of the WIFI classification., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: In the context of chronic limb-threatening ischemia, the prognostic impact of angiosome-targeted revascularization and of the status of the pedal arch are debated., Methods: This series includes 580 patients who underwent endovascular (n = 407) and surgical revascularization (n = 173) of the infrapopliteal arteries for chronic limb-threatening ischemia associated with foot ulcer or gangrene. The risk of major amputation after infrapopliteal revascularization was assessed by a competing risk approach. A subanalysis was made separately for patients who underwent endovascular or open surgical revascularization., Results: At 2 years, survival was 65.1% and leg salvage was 76.1%. Multivariable competing risk analysis showed that C-reactive protein ≥10 mg/dL, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, increased number of affected angiosomes, and the incomplete or total absence of pedal arch compared with complete pedal arch (CPA) were independent predictors of major amputation after infrapopliteal revascularization. Multivariable analysis showed increasing risk estimates of major amputation in patients with incomplete (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 2.131; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.282-3.543) and no visualized pedal arch (SHR, 3.022; 95% CI, 1.553-5.883) compared with CPA. Pedal arch was important even if angiosome-targeted revascularization was achieved: Angiosome-directed revascularization in presence of CPA had a lower risk of major amputation (adjusted SHR, 0.463; 95% CI, 0.240-0.894) compared with angiosome-directed revascularization without CPA. In the subanalysis, among patients who underwent endovascular revascularization, CPA (SHR, 0.509; 95% CI, 0.286-0.905) and angiosome-targeted revascularization (SHR, 0.613; 95% CI, 0.394-0.956) were associated with a lower risk of major amputation., Conclusions: Competing risk analysis showed that a patent pedal arch had significant impact on leg salvage and that the subset of patients undergoing endovascular procedure may most benefit of an angiosome-targeted revascularization., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Arterial duplex ultrasound (DUS) and ankle-brachial indices (ABIs) are accepted methods for assessing lower limb arterial perfusion. However, in a significant number of diabetic patients, medial wall calcification often precludes an ABI measurement. Direct, noninvasive duplex imaging of the pedal arch in the setting of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has not been well evaluated. Although plantar arch interrogation is new to vascular ultrasound, imaging the plantar arteries appears to be a reliable angiographic technique for critical limb ischemia. We sought to define the utility of Plantar Acceleration Time as a surrogate for ABIs., Methods: Patients undergoing DUS including Plantar Acceleration Time for suspicion of PAD were retrospectively reviewed in a prospective database over a 1-year period. Two hundred fifty nondiabetic patients (499 limbs) with documented ABI were studied. Plantar Acceleration Time was calculated (milliseconds [msec]) in each limb in the lateral plantar artery. Statistical analyses were performed using linear regression and analysis of variance testing using Microsoft Excel database (version 2016; Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA). Patients were then grouped into 4 classes based on their clinical symptoms and ABI. Plantar Acceleration Time was similarly grouped into 4 distinct classes and correlated with the clinical and ABI classes., Results: Plantar Acceleration Time correlated significantly with ABI (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in Plantar Acceleration Times between each class based on ABI and clinical presentation (P < 0.001 for each): Class 1 Plantar Acceleration Times 89.9 ± 15.5 msec; Class 2, 152.3 ± 28.4 msec; Class 3, 209.8 ± 25.5 msec, and Class 4, 270.2 ± 35.3 msec., Conclusions: Plantar Acceleration Time demonstrates a high correlation with ABI in patients with compressible arteries. Based on our results we propose the following categories of Plantar Acceleration Time, which appear to correlate with both clinical and ABI findings. ABI of 0.90-1.3 correlates with a Plantar Acceleration Time of 0-120 msec, ABI of 0.69-0.89 correlates with a Plantar Acceleration Time of 121-180 msec, ABI of 0.40-0.68 correlates with a Plantar Acceleration Time of 181-224 msec, and an ABI of 0.00-0.39 correlates with a Plantar Acceleration Time of greater than 225 msec. Further studies are ongoing to confirm whether Plantar Acceleration Time may be a suitable substitute to ABIs in patients with noncompressible arteries that preclude meaningful ABIs and gives more information regarding targeted angiosome perfusion to the foot., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the ability of a novel, automated Conformité Européenne marked vascular early warning system (VEWS) device to detect peripheral arterial disease in patients with incompressible ankle arteries and non-measurable ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) secondary to diabetes., Methods: Recruited patients had diabetes, recent magnetic resonance angiography evidence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and incompressible vessels on ABPI. VEWS indices of each leg were automatically calculated by using optical infrared and red sensors applied to the foot, with readings obtained with the subject's leg both flat and elevated. Indices <1.03 and ≤0.94 were considered upper and lower diagnostic cutoff limits for PAD. Bollinger scores were calculated from the magnetic resonance angiography. A Best Bollinger Score (BBS) of <4 was defined as no significant PAD., Results: All patients had tissue loss. Per protocol analysis of 28 limbs in 14 patients: VEWS had a sensitivity of 94% and specificity 20% for the detection of PAD at <1.03 cutoff and sensitivity 89% and specificity 80% at ≤0.94 cutoff. There was a good correlation between the VEWS index and BBS (-0.637; P = 0.0003)., Conclusion: VEWS is a safe, simple-to-use, promising tool to assist in the diagnosis of PAD in patients with incompressible vessels due to diabetes., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aneurysms of the dorsalis pedis artery are rare, and they are not commonly examined histologically. In general, pseudoaneurysms are thought to be more common than true aneurysms of the dorsalis pedis artery. We present a patient with a true aneurysm of the dorsalis pedis artery, which was initially diagnosed as a pseudoaneurysm that had developed because of a blunt trauma of the ankle. However, the intraoperative appearance and histological examination both confirmed a true aneurysm. Our experiences seem to confirm that postoperative histological examination is needed to distinguish pseudoaneurysms from true aneurysms of the dorsalis pedis artery. The treatment of aneurysms of the dorsalis pedis artery is simple and includes resection, which completely relieves the symptoms; few patients need vascular reconstructions., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a reliable method to evaluate extremity perfusion but can be prohibitive to obtain secondary to patient discomfort or extremity trauma. This study investigates smart phone-based forward looking infrared imaging to assess peripheral perfusion using thermal ABI (tABI)., Methods: ABIs were measured by a certified vascular laboratory. Thermographs of each extremity (hands/feet) were obtained, and maximum surface temperature was recorded. tABI was calculated by dividing the lower extremity (LE) temperature by the upper extremity (UE). ABI and tABI were compared using Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman plot., Results: Twenty-three patients (45 limbs) had ABI's and thermographs recorded on the same day. Median ABI was 0.89 (range 0.33-1.46, IQR 0.4). Median LE temperature was 83.0°F (range 60.7-96.9°F, IQR 14.1). Median UE temperature was 91.2°F (range 81.9-94.6°F, IQR 3.4). Median tABI was 0.93 (range 0.33-1.4, IQR 0.2). Positive correlation was seen between ABI and tABI with Pearson analysis (r = 0.83, P < 0.0001) and Bland-Altman plot (bias -0.01, LOA -0.13 to -0.12)., Conclusions: Thermal imaging correlates with ABI in the evaluation of extremity perfusion. Smart phone-based FLIR can be used to determine peripheral perfusion in clinical settings where ABI is difficult to obtain., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: No criteria, including preamputation vascular diagnostic thresholds, have been established to reliably predict healing versus nonhealing following minor lower extremity amputations. Thus, the goal of our study was to identify clinical factors, including noninvasive vascular laboratory measures, associated with wound healing following toe, forefoot, and midfoot amputations., Methods: We retrospectively examined records of patients receiving elective toe, forefoot, or midfoot amputation at our institution over a 5-year span (2010-2015). A total of 333 amputations received noninvasive vascular assessment of the lower extremity preamputation and follow-up at 90 days postamputation. Multivariate binomial logistic regression was used to identify variables predicting wound healing as defined as the absence of reamputation due to wound breakdown., Results: Wound healing occurred in 81% of amputations. A total of 23 (7%) patients required revisions of the foot while 39 (12%) patients required major amputations by 90 days. Chi-squared analysis found that toe pressure at or above the value of 47 mm Hg (P = 0.04), bi/triphasic anterior tibial (P = 0.01), and posterior tibial artery (P = 0.01) waveforms were associated with wound healing. When these diagnostic parameters were examined in the presence of confounders (increasing age, chronic kidney disease, and concomitant revascularization), only toe pressure ≥ 47 mm Hg predicted amputation site healing (odds ratio: 3.1 [95% CI: 1.0-9.4], P = 0.04)., Conclusion: Preamputation toe pressures of 47 mm Hg and above are associated with wound healing. No other noninvasive vascular studies predicted wound healing in the presence of confounders. Thus, toe pressures may assist in clinical decision-making and should be routinely obtained preamputation., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The outcome of peripheral bypass surgery in patients at risk of limb loss is largely influenced by the anatomical integrity of the plantar arch. For this reason, in the last few decades, this area has been considered to be a sensitive territory, rarely approached surgically, and virtually untouchable by any endovascular activities. This hesitance was related to the possible damage to the thin dorsalis pedis, deep plantar, and lateral plantar arteries, together with the crucial metatarsal and digital branches arising from the arch. Twelve years ago, I argued that this area was anatomically very similar to the left anterior descending coronary artery and, thus, suitable for recanalization using standard endovascular coronary technique. Since its initial case, the pedal loop (PL) technique has become a very popular and glamorous procedure, likely performed in thousands of cases worldwide, additionally proving its efficacy in 2 large patient-registry retrospective analyses. Although the procedure is considered quite complex, from a technical point of view, it has almost no reliable alternatives in vascular and endovascular daily practice. However, by focusing attention on 12 well-established key points of the PL technique, it is likely that such may favor its diffusion among vascular surgeons and endovascular specialists., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

True aneurysm of the dorsal artery of the foot is extremely rare, and its clinical manifestations are little known. A case of a true dorsalis pedis artery aneurysm in a 51-year-old man, with no history of local trauma or injury on his foot, is presented. Clinical examination and ultrasonic imaging confirmed the aneurysm. Dorsalis pedis artery aneurysm after this had been exposed, the proximal and distal stumps of the dorsal artery of the foot were isolated and ligated, and the aneurysm was resected., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The definition of angiosome-targeted revascularization is confusing, especially when a tissue lesion affects several angiosomes. Two different definitions of direct revascularization exist in the literature. The study aim was (1) to compare the 2 definitions of direct revascularization in patients with foot lesions involving more than one angiosome and (2) to evaluate which definition better predicts clinical outcome., Methods: This study cohort comprises 658 patients with Rutherford 5-6 foot lesions who underwent infrapopliteal endovascular or surgical revascularization between January 2010 and July 2013. We compared the 2 angiosome-targeted definitions using multivariate analysis; the impact of each angiosome-targeted definition was adjusted for a propensity score obtained by means of nonparsimonious logistic regression., Results: Direct revascularization according to definition A was performed in 367 cases (55.8%) versus 198 cases (30.1%) with definition B. The propensity-score-adjusted analysis showed that definition A of direct revascularization was associated with significantly better wound healing (P < 0.044, hazard ratio [HR] 1.291) and lower amputation rates (P < 0.047, HR 0.706), whereas definition B was associated only with significantly better wound healing (P < 0.029, HR 1.321). The prognostic ability of direct revascularization according to definition A was confirmed in a Cox proportional hazard analysis., Conclusions: Definition A of direct revascularization was associated with a significantly higher wound healing and leg salvage rate than indirect revascularization in both series. Therefore, it seems that, if the wound spreads over several angiosomes in the forefoot or heel, any angiosome involved in the wound can be targeted., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Management of dialysis patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) still represents a challenge to vascular medicine, whereas the effects of the pedal arch quality in these patients with predominant affection of the infrapopliteal vessels have rarely been evaluated. Therefore, our aim was to analyze the outcomes of infrapopliteal angioplasty in the setting of chronic renal failure (end-stage renal disease) and evaluate the influence of the pedal arch involvement on clinical success., Methods: Prospective follow-up of 32 ERSD patients on hemodialysis (mean age, 72 years) with CLI and consecutive infrapopliteal angioplasty over a 5-year period 2010-2014 was performed. Mean follow-up was 10 months (range, 0-51 months). Statistical end points were defined for amputation-free survival, overall survival, and wound healing. Each patient's pedal arch was classified in 4 categories according to patency on completion angiography and the influence of the pedal arch quality on end points was assessed., Results: A total of 44 vessels in 32 ischemic legs were treated. Technical success was achieved in 96% of patients, no major complications were observed. A 30-day mortality rate amounted 6% with no procedure-related deaths. The 1-year amputation-free survival rate was 56% and 34% at 2 years. Two major amputations were required. Subsequent revascularization procedures were necessary in 11 patients (10 redo angioplasty, 1 pedal bypass graft). The pedal arch was classified as category I in 1 patient (3%), category IIa in 12 (38%), IIb in 3 (9%), and III in 16 patients (50%). No statistical significant differences in terms of survival or wound-healing rate were observed between those groups, and the pedal arch quality had no impact on predefined end points., Conclusions: End-stage renal disease patients represent a subgroup with poor prognosis of limb salvage in CLI. Amputation-free survival remains poor and based on these data, an endovascular therapy is feasible and safe in these highly multimorbid patients. The quality of the pedal arch was not found to have any impact on wound healing or survival in the present study., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aneurysms of the foot arteries are rare. A case of a true dorsalis pedis artery aneurysm in a 69-year-old man, with no history of local trauma or injury on his foot, is presented. Clinical examination and ultrasonic imaging confirmed the aneurysm. Dorsalis pedis artery aneurysm was resected and an end-to-end anastomosis was performed, without complications. Arterial duplex scan findings, operative procedure, and literature review are presented and discussed., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Recently, angiosome-oriented direct revascularization was advocated for infrapopliteal bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia. However, angiosome-matched target vessels, which supply direct blood flow into the ischemic tissue, are frequently small in diameter, severely calcified, have a very poor vascular bed, and might not be suitable technically for distal anastomosis. In such cases, creating a bifurcation in the graft could enable perfusion of a "direct" target vessel with poor quality and an "indirect" run-off vessel with better features. In this report, we present 2 cases of bifurcated dual run-off bypass (BDRB) in which we added a secondary outflow to the original single tibial bypass. Careful investigation and evaluation of the status of the collateral vessels and additional information regarding successful and unsuccessful cases are required to further understand the advantages and disadvantages of BDRB., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The purpose of this study is to introduce a new method, indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI), as an adjunct to distal pressure measurements in patients with peripheral arterial disease and symptomatic lower limb ischemia., Methods: A total of 34 patients with peripheral arterial disease, including 11 with claudication (Fontaine II), 7 with rest pain (FIII), and 16 with an ulcer or gangrene (FIV), were enrolled. After an intravenous injection of ICG (0.1 mg/kg), foot perfusion was recorded by an infrared light camera. Fluorescence intensity was plotted on a time-intensity curve using recorded images, allowing the calculation of new parameters. Severity of ischemia was assessed as the duration between the rising point and half value of maximum brightness (T½). The difference in the fluorescence intensity between 10 seconds after the rising point and baseline (PDE10) was compared with the transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2) at the same site (n=51)., Results: Median T½ was 23 seconds in FII, 41 seconds in FIII (P<0.05), and 17 seconds in FIV patients. PDE10 correlated moderately with tcpO2 (r2=0.5). A cut-off value (PDE10=28) predicted a critically ischemic limb (FIII and FIV), defined as tcpO2<30 mm Hg with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86.6%., Conclusions: Local tissue perfusion can be quantitatively evaluated by using ICG fluorescence imaging. It is a safe, fast, noncontact method of imaging, which may be useful even at the ulcer itself and in the circumferential area., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the hemodynamic and clinical changes after occlusion of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) femorotibial grafts., Methods: Twenty-seven patients were randomly selected from all patients who underwent femorotibial bypass grafting in our department. In 10 patients, the reversed autologous saphenous vein was used as graft, and in 17 patients a PTFE prosthesis was used. Out of the latter 17 patients, 10 began long-term aspirin therapy and 7 began oral anticoagulation with warfarin., Results: Nine out of the 10 patients with occluded PTFE grafts and who received only aspirin therapy had a critical ischemia after occlusion of the graft, and 4 underwent major amputation. Among the 10 patients with occluded autologous vein bypass, critical ischemia was present in only 4 patients, and only 2 required some form of surgical therapy with no case of major amputation., Conclusions: After occlusion of a PTFE femorotibial graft, there is a condition of critical ischemia that is less common after occlusion of a vein graft. Oral anticoagulation seems to prevent these negative changes., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: To present our experience of extended endovascular management for thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI)., Methods: Between January 2005 and July 2010, a consecutive series of 17 Buerger's disease patients with CLI in 20 limbs were admitted and the diagnosis confirmed. The mean age of the patients was 41.5 years (standard error: ±1.7). All patients presented with history of smoking, one patient presented with hypertension, and eight patients presented with dyslipidemia. According to Rutherford classification, all patients were found to be between grades 3 and 5. Ultrasonography first, and angiography examination later, confirmed a severe arterial disease involving almost exclusively below-the-knee and foot arteries in all cases. A new approach for revascularization, defined as extended angioplasty of each tibial and foot artery obstruction, was performed to achieve direct perfusion of at least one foot artery., Results: An extensive endovascular treatment was intended in all patients with success in 19 of 20 limbs, achieving a technical success in 95%. No mortality or complication related to the procedure was observed. During a mean follow-up of 23 months (standard error: ±4.05), amputation-free survival with no need of major amputation in any case and sustained clinical improvement was achieved in 16 of the 19 limbs (84.2%) successfully treated, resulting in a 100% limb salvage rate (19/19)., Conclusion: In this first experience, in patients with thromboangiitis obliterans, extended endovascular intervention was a feasible and effective revascularization procedure in case of CLI. High technical success, amputation-free survival, and sustained clinical improvement rates were achieved at midterm follow-up was achieved., (Copyright © 2012 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This report is the first to describe the clinical, radiographic, operative, and pathologic findings associated with large, bilateral dorsalis pedis artery true aneurysms in a single patient. A 61-year-old African American woman complained of difficulty in wearing shoes. She had a moderately firm, nontender, pulsatile mass on the dorsum of her right foot. Computed tomography and angiography confirmed dorsalis pedis artery aneurysm with sufficient collateralization. She underwent resection without reconstruction. Pathologic analysis revealed a true aneurysm (8 × 5.3 × 4.1 cm(3)) containing intralumenal thrombus. Treatment for small symptomatic and large dorsalis pedis artery aneurysms remains resection with or without reconstruction., (Copyright © 2012 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We describe two cases of true dorsalis pedis artery aneurysms in men referred for pulsatile mass of the dorsal part of the foot. Both aneurysms were resected and grafted with interposition of a short segment of saphenous vein. Histological analysis showed true aneurysm associated with atherosclerosis. To our knowledge, only 12 cases of true dorsalis pedis artery aneurysm have been reported previously. On the basis of our experience and after reviewing the literature, the management of this uncommon pathology was discussed., (Copyright © 2011 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Atherosclerotic lesions of the hypogastric artery have been recognized as a cause of buttock claudication, thigh claudication, and impotence, and usually treated by endovascular procedures and in some instances with open surgery. We report an unusual case of a total occlusion of the left external iliac artery, severe stenosis of the left hypogastric artery with rest pain, and ischemic lesion in the left foot that was successfully treated with hypogastric angioplasty and covered self-expanding stent implant. The patient recovered distal pulses, rest pain disappeared, and the ischemic lesion healed; currently the patient walks without intermittent claudication, and the lesion of the toe has healed., (Copyright 2010 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Atypical claudication is a relatively uncommon problem within the general population. However, suspicion for the diagnosis is raised when young and athletic patients present with symptoms of claudication during exercise. The most common causes of atypical claudication are anatomical variants, including popliteal artery entrapment syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome. These variants result in impaired arterial flow and nerve compression, respectively. In this report, we present a seminal case of dorsalis pedis artery entrapment by the extensor hallucis brevis tendon during active dorsiflexion of the foot., Methods: The patient was a 42-year-old male without significant past medical history, who presented with claudication in both feet upon active dorsiflexion. He underwent dynamic arterial duplex studies that first revealed normal flow in the neutral position and then revealed complete cessation of flow in both duplex and Doppler modes on dorsiflexion of the foot. He also underwent dynamic magnetic resonance angiography of bilateral lower extremities that revealed an incomplete pedal arch with early termination of the posterior tibial artery on static images and termination of the dorsalis pedis artery at notching on the dorsum of the foot during dorsiflexion. The patient was taken to the operating room for bilateral dorsalis pedis artery exploration. During exploration, the patient was found to have entrapment of the dorsalis pedis artery by the extensor hallucis brevis (EHB) tendon. This was documented by both direct visualization and intraoperative cessation of Doppler signal on dorsiflexion. Since the EHB tendon provides only secondary function to the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon, the EHB was transected near its insertion and transposed directly to the EHL tendon. This allowed for normal extensor function of the great toe and restored triphasic Doppler signals during dorsiflexion., Conclusion: Dorsalis pedis arterial entrapment is a novel cause of atypical claudication. It is extremely uncommon as patients must have both abnormal anatomy and an incomplete pedal arch to display symptoms. Similar to other entrapment syndromes, if identified before permanent arterial scarring, the treatment does not require a bypass procedure. Removal of the tendon along with transposition will allow cessation of symptoms without impaired dorsiflexion of the great toe., (Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

We report a case of an asymptomatic popliteal aneurysm due to fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD), associated with suspected FMD of pedal artery on a 63-year-old woman. The popliteal aneurysm was resected. An in situ interposition of a short segment of hypogastric artery was performed to restore the arterial continuity. Popliteal FMD was confirmed by histological findings. Only 5 cases are reported in literature. FMD of pedal artery was suspected on the CT-scan aspect. FMD is a rare cause of popliteal aneurysm. To our knowledge, this is the first report of suspected fibrodysplastic dilatation of a foot artery.

Ischemic wounds of the lower extremity can fail to heal despite successful revascularization. The foot can be divided into six anatomic regions (angiosomes) fed by distinct source arteries arising from the posterior tibial (three), anterior tibial (one), and peroneal (two) arteries. This study investigated whether bypass to the artery directly feeding the ischemic angiosome had an impact on wound healing and limb salvage. Retrospective analysis was performed for 52 nonhealing lower extremity wounds (48 patients) requiring tibial bypass over a 2-year period. Preoperative arteriograms were reviewed to determine arterial anatomy relative to each wound's specific angiosome and bypass anatomy. Patients were divided into two groups; direct revascularization (DR, bypass to the artery directly feeding the ischemic angiosome) or indirect revascularization (IR, bypass unrelated to the ischemic angiosome). Wound outcome was analyzed with regard to the endpoints of complete healing, amputation, or death unrelated to the wound. Time to healing was also noted for healed wounds. Based on preoperative arteriography, 51% (n = 27) of the wounds received DR to the ischemic angiosome, while 49% (n = 25) underwent IR. There were no statistically significant differences in the comorbidities of the two groups. Revascularization was via tibial bypass using the saphenous vein (n = 34, 65%) or polytetrafluoroethylene with a distal vein patch (n = 18, 35%). Bypasses were performed to the anterior tibial (n = 22, 42%), posterior tibial (n = 17, 33%), or peroneal (n = 13, 25%) arteries based on the surgeon's judgment. One bypass failed in the perioperative period and was excluded from the analysis. The remaining bypasses were patent at the time of wound analysis. Due to a 17% mortality rate during follow-up, 43 wounds were available for endpoint analysis. This analysis demonstrated that 77% of wounds (n = 33) progressed to complete healing and 23% of wounds (n = 10) failed to heal with resultant amputation. In the DR group, there was 91% healing with a 9% amputation rate. In the IR group, there was 62% healing with a 38% amputation rate (p = 0.03). In those wounds that did heal, total time to healing was not significantly different--DR 162.4 days versus IR 159.8 days (p = 0.95). Revascularization plays a crucial role in the treatment of ischemic lower extremity wounds. We believe that direct revascularization of the angiosome specific to the anatomy of the wound leads to a higher rate of healing and limb salvage. Although many factors must be considered in choosing the target artery for revascularization, consideration should be given to revascularization of the artery directly feeding the ischemic angiosome.

Essential thrombocytosis (ET) remains a rare cause of aortic thromboembolic disease. Management options vary based on the state of clinical presentation and range from observation and medical management to immediate operative intervention. We report a case of ET causing "trash foot" from an aortic thrombus. The patient was administered appropriate cytoreductive therapy and eventually underwent an aortic interposition graft. The various management strategies are discussed.

Pedal bypass failure is not always associated with limb loss. Management of critical limb ischemia after failure is controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of redo bypass procedures to foot arteries in the absence of alternative tibial outflow arteries. Data of patients undergoing redo pedal bypass within a 14-year period were reviewed. The outcome after redo pedal bypass in patients whose original pedal bypass failed within 30 days versus those in patients whose original pedal bypass failed more than 30 days after the original pedal bypass were reviewed. Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards were applied. Out of 335 pedal bypass grafts, 22 (6.6%) pedal redo bypass procedures were identified in 20 patients performed after previous pedal graft failure: 64% were male, mean age 67.7 +/- 9.5 years, diabetes 90.9%, hypertension 90.9%, coronary disease 68.2%, renal disease 18.2%. Seven patients were operated for early failure and 15 for late failure (median 193 days). The graft conduit at the first operation was ipsilateral greater saphenous vein (GSV) in 18 (81.8%), alternative vein in three (13.6%), and one expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Redo graft conduits were as follows: ipsilateral GSV in nine (40.9%), arm vein in six (27.3%), contralateral GSV in two (9.1%), "other veins" in two (9.1%), and homologous artery in three (13.6%). The same target artery was used in 81.8%, at the initial site in 54.5% and more distally in 27.3%. Redo revascularization for early failure was successful only once. Median follow-up after late redo was 23.7 months. Seven redo grafts performed after late pedal graft failure failed after a median of 115 days. The availability of adequate autologous conduit is the limiting factor for redo procedures. Lack of alternative outflow sites adds to the difficulty of target artery dissection. Redo pedal bypass surgery after early pedal bypass failure is associated with very poor patency and limb salvage. Acceptable patency and extension of limb salvage can be achieved with redo procedures for late pedal bypass failure.

Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is a durable reconstruction in the diabetic patient with limited forefoot gangrene. However, predicting TMA healing remains difficult. Our goals were to (1) determine the success rate of TMA and (2) identify factors predictive of TMA healing, in particular arterial foot anatomy. A retrospective review of all diabetic patients undergoing TMA was done. Blood supply to the foot was classified as mostly anterior (anterior tibial and/or dorsalis pedis artery), mostly posterior (posterior tibial or plantar arteries), or equally distributed (both systems patent or peroneal runoff). Foot vessels were assigned runoff scores from 0 to 3 according to Society for Vascular Surgery/International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery (SVS/ISCVS) criteria. Forty-four TMAs in 29 men and 12 women were reviewed. Revascularization was done in 35 cases. In nine cases (20%), no bypass was deemed necessary (n = 7) or feasible (n = 2). Blood flow to the foot was deemed mostly anterior in 16 cases, mostly posterior in 17 cases, and equally distributed in 11. The TMA was left open in 19 cases and closed with staples or sutures in the rest. Limb salvage was achieved in 30 cases (68%) at a median follow-up of 48 weeks. Three of the four patients on dialysis required leg amputation (75%) vs. 11 of the 40 (27%) nondialysis patients (p = 0.05). When the TMA was left open, leg amputation was more likely (58%) than when closed primarily (12%) (p < 0.01). No angiographic factors were predictive of limb salvage. The need for revascularization was not associated with limb loss, although both patients with no feasible bypass option required below-knee amputation. TMA healing can be expected in a majority of diabetic patients after adequate revascularization but cannot be predicted by angiographic findings. Efforts should be made to achieve primary wound closure.

Although the utility of dorsalis pedis (DP) bypass for limb ischemia has been well established, the fate of limbs with a failed bypass to the DP artery remains unclear. Data of all patients undergoing DP bypass grafting within a 12-year period from two university hospitals' vascular registries were retrospectively reviewed. Outcomes of early (<30 days) and delayed graft failure (>30 days) were examined. The Student's t-test and chi-squared test were used for univariate analysis; patency rates and patient survival were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method. Of 1434 DP bypass grafts, 277 (19.3%) failed grafts were identified. Sixty five (4.5%) grafts failed early (within 30 days of surgery) and 212 (14.8%) failed late at a mean time of 15.3 months (range, 1.5-105 months) after initial bypass. Of the 65 limbs with early graft failure, 28 (43.1%) proceeded directly to amputation and 20 underwent additional revascularization attempts, but limb salvage was achieved in only 7 patients; in 45 (69.2%) patients no further revascularizations were attempted. Seventy-four (34.9%) patients with late graft failure underwent redo revascularization. Thirty-nine (52.6%) had their limb saved with graft revision, but 35 patients (47.3%) ultimately lost their limb. In 138 patients with late graft failure (65.1%) no further revascularization attempts were performed. Sixty-two (44.9%) required major amputation. Overall, 49.8% of patients with failed pedal grafts ultimately suffered limb loss. Early graft failure resulted in a significantly higher rate of major amputation that did late graft failure (63.1% vs. 45.8%, respectively; p = 0.015). These results indicate that early occlusion of pedal bypass often leads to immediate major amputation and interventions to maintain graft patency in this setting are often futile. Late failure of pedal bypass is associated with a lower likelihood of amputation because of a higher rate of success of bypass revisions and a lower occurrence of critical ischemia with graft failure.

Pseudoaneurysm of the dorsalis pedis artery is very rare. This case report describes a 71-year-old man with an idiopathic aneurysm of the dorsalis pedis artery that caused neurological deficit. Surgical resection was performed and his symptoms improved.

Surgical reconstruction for patients with symptomatic lower extremity arterial occlusive disease is successful when a suitable distal target vessel is present. In patients with unreconstructable disease, practical surgical options are at a minimum. We report our initial experience with dorsal venous arch arterialization (DVAA) for limb salvage. Patients with a lower extremity arteriogram and tibia/plantar artery duplex scan demonstrating unreconstructable occlusive disease were evaluated for DVAA. The venous arch valve lysis technique consisted of retrograde balloon catheter, arterial dilator disruption, and direct valvulectomy. Outcome variables included patency, limb salvage rate, and toe pressure alterations. Initial results suggest that DVAA may be a viable option for end-stage limb salvage. Application of the DVAA appears to be more suitable for patients with symptoms secondary to atherosclerosis than those with Buerger's disease.

Originally thought to be a disadvantaged outflow source, the dorsalis pedis artery is associated with excellent patency and limb salvage in the diabetic population. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the dorsalis pedis artery is as durable in nondiabetics as in their diabetic counterparts. During a 21-year period from 1979 to 1999, 299 long lower limb bypasses to the dorsalis pedis artery were performed at our institution. Patient data and outcomes were reviewed from the vascular registry. Statistical analysis and patency rates were compared using chi-squared and log-rank analysis. This study confirms that the dorsalis pedis can be used as an outflow source with durability that is comparable in both diabetics and nondiabetics. No significant difference exists in morbidity, mortality and patency rates. In the nondiabetic, when the dorsalis pedis is the only patent distal vessel, amputation can be avoided if one considers this a suitable option as an outflow source.

Patients with severely diseased or occluded infrageniculate arteries, limited runoff, and tissue loss may often present for primary amputation. In this study, we review our experience with plantar artery revascularization when no other bypass options are feasible. All patients requiring infrainguinal bypass to the plantar artery level over the last 3 years were prospectively entered into our vascular surgery database. Indications, demographics, length of stay (LOS), outcome, and patency were reviewed. Our results showed that plantar artery bypass is a safe and reasonable alternative to primary amputation. Excellent limb salvage can be achieved if the bypass remains patent through the initial 30 days postoperatively.

Wound dehiscence with exposure of the lower anastomosis is a limb- and life-threatening complication of femorodistal bypass. Plastic surgeons consider pedicle flaps to be unreliable in patients with arterial disease. Despite this opinion, we attempted to treat exposure complications using pedicle muscle flaps after careful study of vascularization on control angiography. The purpose of this report is to describe our results. From 1994 to 1997, infection-related exposure of the distal anastomosis was observed in three men and two women with a mean age of 76 years (range, 66 to 89 years). The exposed anastomosis was located on the dorsalis pedis artery in three cases, the anterior tibial artery in the upper third of the leg in one, and the anterior tibial artery in the lower third of the leg in one. The bypass material was a vein graft in three cases and a cuffed PTFE prosthesis in two cases. Bacteriological examination identified Staphylococcus aureus in three cases, Pseudomonas aeruginosa in one case, and both in one case. Two patients were diabetics and one was undergoing corticosteroid treatment. The anastomosis was covered with a pedicle muscle flap fashioned from the extensor digitorum in four cases and the lateral head of the gastrocnemius in one case. Our results showed that anastomoses on the anterior tibial artery and dorsalis pedis artery are at higher risk for infection-related exposure but this complication can be treated using pedicle muscle flaps. This alternative should be considered before bypass removal or amputation.

Use of pedal bypass can salvage limbs of patients with critical ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of surgical revascularization of pedal arteries in diabetic patients and to assess the impact of diabetes on long-term outcome. We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive pedal bypasses done between January 1, 1987 and December 31, 1997. Demographic data, surgical indications, operative variables, and postoperative results including graft patency and limb salvage were compared between diabetic and nondiabetic patients. The results of this comparison showed that pedal bypass can safely and effectively relieve critical ischemia in diabetic patients. Diabetics have less early graft thrombosis and superior long-term graft patency. Despite higher incidence of renal insufficiency or failure and more tissue loss, diabetics can achieve similar excellent limb salvage rates. This outcome justifies aggressive revascularization of pedal arteries in diabetic as well as nondiabetic patients with critical limb ischemia.

The precapillary resistance in the skin of the foot increases with standing. This mechanism, termed the venoarterial reflex (VAR) restricts arterial inflow, and avoids an excessive rise in capillary pressure. This study tests the hypothesis that there is microcirculatory compensation to atherosclerotic disease of increasing severity. Foot skin perfusion (FSP) was measured in 100 limbs with a laser Doppler placed on the plantar aspect of the great toe. Limbs were categorized as normal (n = 31) with an ankle brackial index (ABI) > or = 0.96, claudicants (n = 42) ABI 0.5-0.86, and critical ischemia (n = 27) with an ABI < or = 0.49 or a pulse volume recording consistent with severe peripheral vascular disease and symptoms of rest pain or tissue loss. Segmental Doppler pressures and pulse volume recordings were performed prior to laser Doppler measurements. Subjects with clinical signs or symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency were excluded. The resting foot skin perfusion was measured in the horizontal and dependent position, with the patient supine and sitting. Comparisons within categories were done using Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test and between groups with Mann-Whitney U test for unpaired data. Differences were considered significant if they exceeded the 95% confidence level (p value < or = 0.05). Resting supine skin perfusion was similar between nondiabetic normals and claudicants and diabetic normals and claudicants. There was a significant decrease in the foot skin perfusion (mean FSP +/- SEM) in the normal limb with a change from the supine (7.8 +/- 2.2 ml/min/100 g) to the dependent (2.8 +/- 0.6 ml/min/100 g) position indicating an intact VAR. This was absent in 33% of the limbs with claudication. Limbs with critical ischemia demonstrated an increase in FSP with dependency (supine 4.0 +/- 1.0 ml/min/100 g) versus dependent (8.4 +/- 1.8 ml/min/100 g) and was present in both diabetic and nondiabetic limbs. Microcirculatory compensation occurs early in atherosclerotic limbs. Although supine FSP is similar in normals and claudicants, a greater percentage of claudicants demonstrate a loss of the VAR. Critically ischemic limbs have increased FSP in the dependent position. These observations indicate that there are microcirculatory alterations in limbs with claudication and assist in explaining why patients with ischemic rest pain obtain relief and develop edema with dependency.

Reported patency rates for paramalleolar bypass grafts have varied widely. To determine factors predictive of outcome, we reviewed our experience with 80 consecutive paramalleolar reconstructions in 68 patients performed between December 1986 and May 1995. All procedures were performed for critical limb ischemia defined as nonhealing ulcer or gangrene (n = 72, 90%) and rest pain (n = 8, 10%). Risk factors present were diabetes (n = 52, 65%), hypertension (n = 64, 80%), and history of smoking (n = 57, 71%). Of the 80 bypasses, in situ saphenous vein conduits were used in 39 (49%). In the remainder non-in situ grafts were used including reversed vein (n = 25, 31%), composite vein (n = 11, 14%), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE; n = 4, 5%), and composite PTFE/vein (n = 1, 1%). The recipient vessel was the dorsalis pedis artery in 26 procedures (33%), the posterior tibial artery in 32 (40%), the distal anterior tibial artery in 18 (22%), and tarsal or plantar vessels in four (5%). Primary and secondary patency rates were 52% and 68% at 36 months, respectively, by life-table analysis. The limb salvage rate was 86% and patient survival was 56% at 36 months. Secondary patency was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in their nondiabetic counterparts (86% vs. 50% at 36 months, p < 0.03). Similarly, patients undergoing in situ reconstructions had better secondary patency than patients with non-in situ conduits (86% vs. 51% at 36 months, p = 0.03). Diabetic patients tended to be younger (median age 69 years vs. 72 years) and had fewer prior reconstructions (7 [13%] vs. 13 [46%], p < 0.01). Diabetic patients received a higher proportion of in situ reconstructions (54% vs. 39%) but the difference did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.09). We conclude that the long-term patency for paramalleolar bypass is acceptable but inferior to reported figures for more proximal reconstructions. The factors that most influence patency are the quality of the venous conduit and the presence of diabetes. The improved patency seen in diabetic patients is likely related to the fact that these patients require paramalleolar bypass at an earlier age, are less likely to have had previous reconstructions, and are therefore more likely to have a good quality venous conduit.

Wound complications of the pedal incision continue to compromise successful limb salvage following aggressive revascularization. Significant distal wound disruption occurred in 14 of 142 (9.8%) patients undergoing pedal bypass with autogenous vein for limb salvage between 1986 and 1993. One hundred forty-two pedal bypass procedures were performed for rest pain in 66 patients and tissue necrosis in 76. Among the 86 men and 56 women, 76% were diabetic and 73% were black. All but eight patients had a history of diabetes and/or tobacco use. Eight wounds were successfully managed with maintenance of patent grafts from 5 to 57 months. Exposure of a patent graft precipitated amputation in three patients, as did graft occlusion in an additional patient. One graft was salvaged by revision to the peroneal artery and one was covered by a local bipedicled flap. Multiple regression analysis identified three factors associated with wound complications at the pedal incision site: diabetes mellitus (p = 0.03), age > 70 years (p = 0.03), and rest pain (p = 0.05). Ancillary techniques ("pie-crusting") to reduce skin tension resulted in no distal wound problems among 15 patients considered to be at greatest risk for wound breakdown. Attention to technique of distal graft tunneling, a wound closure that reduces tension, and control of swelling by avoiding dependency on and use of gentle elastic compression assume crucial importance in minimizing pedal wound complications following pedal bypass.

Treatment of patients with limb-threatening ischemia after multiple failed bypasses remains difficult and controversial. Further revascularization procedures despite failure of the original procedure may be viewed as futile. The purpose of this report is to determine the efficacy of third or fourth revascularization procedures after the original and second procedures fail. Over a 10-year period from January 1, 1983, to December 31, 1992, 312 infrainguinal bypasses were performed on 271 consecutive patients for foot salvage. The overall limb salvage rate was 84%, and the operative mortality rate was 3.7% (10 patients). Sixteen patients (5.8%) had repeat infrainguinal bypasses performed after failure of two or more prior bypass procedures in the same leg. Twenty-three reconstructions were performed in these 16 patients. There were no operative deaths. One half of these patients had major amputations performed within the first year following their tertiary or fourth reconstructive procedure. Sixty-two percent of patients have survived longer than 3 years after their third or fourth procedure. One half of these patients have maintained graft patency and an excellent quality of life. Only 22% of the patients requiring amputation ambulated with a prosthesis, whereas all revascularized patients ambulated. Although this subset of patients is known to have an increased risk of repeated graft failure and limb loss, we believe continued efforts at limb salvage despite multiple previous graft failures is justified.

The goal of this prospective study of the piezoelectric pulse sensor device was to determine its technical applications and its ability to detect lower extremity occlusive arterial disease. Ten extremities (five volunteers) were evaluated to assess the ability to place the sensor in the correct anatomic position on a foot without a palpable pulse during cuff occlusion so that pulsatile flow would be detected following cuff deflation; its sensitivity as an end-point detector for pulsatile perfusion; and whether there is a linear qualitative pulse wave response with increasing perfusion pressures. Forty extremities (20 patients) with suspected occlusive arterial disease were studied to evaluate its capability of detecting perfusion as compared with the presence of a palpable pulse, an audible Doppler signal, and a foot volume waveform. The placement of the sensor on 10 normal limbs with temporary arterial occlusion resulted in a recordable waveform following cuff deflation in 100% of the dorsalis pedis arteries and in 10% of the posterior tibial arteries. The piezoelectric pulse sensor was as sensitive for detecting pulsatile perfusion as an audible Doppler signal and demonstrated a linear change in the waveform's amplitude and shape with incremental changes in perfusion pressure. In the 40 extremities with ankle/brachial indices ranging from 0.00 to 1.35, there was uniform agreement between pulse volume and Pulse Check waveforms. The piezoelectric pulse sensor is a sensitive method for monitoring lower extremity arterial perfusion when supplied by the dorsalis pedis artery; however, it is inadequate for the posterior tibial artery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The peripheral type of Buerger's disease is unresponsive to conservative therapy when accompanied by multisegmental occlusion at the level of the ankle. Between November 1983 and April 1993, we performed 15 bypasses below the ankle for this type of thromboangiitis obliterans in 13 patients (mean age 45.7 years), including four females. Ten patients had intractable toe ulcers with severe pain, and five had foot-threatening ischemia or disabling foot claudication. Eleven patients were heavy smokers, two were passive smokers, and six had a history of sympathectomy. All patients had occlusion of the three main crural arteries or both of the tibial arteries at the ankle. Of the 15 bypasses, 10 were to the medial or lateral plantar arteries, two were to the common plantar artery, and three were to the dorsalis pedis artery. There were three early and three late graft failures. The causes of early graft failure were thrombosis at the site of cross-clamping, anastomosis to a diseased segment, and arterial spasm. The three late failures (> 3 months) were due to disease progression in patients who continued to smoke, whereas all grafts remained patent and functioned well in patients who stopped smoking. Because patients with thromboangiitis obliterans are relatively young and active, early healing of ulcers and restoration of normal limb function are important objectives in their treatment. Bypass to the foot arteries can provide an excellent outcome, although special techniques and postoperative cessation of smoking are essential for success.