Luis Mariano Palena MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Giacomo Cester MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marco Manzi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Scientific Advisory Board, Abbott Laboratories Consultant,Medtronic, Inc Proctor,Covidien AG Consultant, ClearStream Technologies Group plc

Endovascular recanalization of tibial vessels and foot arteries is an established treatment option for limb salvage, in diabetic patients with Critical Limb Ischemia and foot wound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of digital arteries recanalization in diabetic patients, which presented distal wounds on the toes

Between January 2010 and January 2011, 24 diabetic patients, with CLI and distal wounds on the toes have been undergone to endovascular treatment of tibial vessels and foot arteries, following by endovascular recanalization of digital branch, related to distal wound on the toe, in order to avoid amputation or to support surgical wound healing

24 patients (19 male and 5 female, mean age 72,29 ± 9.4) have been undergone to endovascular recanalization of tibial vessel, foot arteries and digital branches, who presented distal ulcers on the toes. In according with Texas University Classification (TUC), patients presented in 3 cases (12.5%) grade IC ulcer, in 9 cases (37.5%) grade IIB-C ulcers, in 8 cases ( 33.3%) grade IIIB-C ulcer and in 4 cases (16.7%) grade IIID ulcers, on the foot and toes. In 9 patients (37.5%) amputation was avoid [3 cases (100%) of TUC IC and 6 cases (66.7%) of TUC IIB-C], in 8 patients (29.6%) minor amputation was necessary [3 cases (33.3%) of TUC IIB-C and 5 cases (62.5%) of TUC IIIB-C], involving only distal phalanges. In 5 patients (20.8%) toe amputation was necessary [3 cases (37.5%) of TUC IIIB-C and 2 cases (50%) of TUC IIID]. In 2 patients (8.4%) Transmetatarsal amputattion (TMA) was necessary [2 cases (50%) of TUC IIID]. No major amputations have been done

Recanalization of foot arteries and digital branches is possible, and in selected cases could be necessary to improve the blood flow in the distal wounds on the toes

Digital arteries recanalization represent an important support to avoid amputations or support surgical wound healing and preserve and maintain the full functionality of the foot

Palena, L, Cester, G, Manzi, M, Is Digital Arteries Recanalization Useful to Preserve the Foot Functionality? Clinical Results.  Radiological Society of North America 2011 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 26 - December 2, 2011 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2011/11007869.html