Lower Limb Angioplasty for Diabetic Foot
Restore blood flow to prevent complications and promote healing
What is Diabetic Foot?
Diabetic foot is a complication of diabetes where chronic high blood sugar levels lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor blood circulation (peripheral artery disease or PAD) in the lower limbs. This can cause ulcers, infections, and in severe cases, gangrene. Diabetic foot is a major cause of morbidity and can lead to amputation if not managed properly.
What is Lower Limb Angioplasty?
Lower limb angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to restore blood flow in the arteries of the legs. It is commonly performed in patients with PAD, including those with diabetic foot. The procedure involves inserting a balloon catheter into the narrowed or blocked artery and inflating it to widen the vessel, improving blood flow to the affected area.
Purpose of Angioplasty in Diabetic Foot
Improve Blood Flow
Angioplasty helps increase blood flow to the foot and lower leg, promoting healing of ulcers and reducing the risk of infection and gangrene.
Avoid Amputation
By restoring circulation, angioplasty can help prevent the need for amputation in severe cases of diabetic foot.
Relieve Symptoms
It can alleviate symptoms of PAD, such as pain, cramping, and difficulty walking.
Procedure Details
1. Pre-Procedure
- •Assessment with physical exam and imaging (Doppler ultrasound, CT/MR angiography)
- •Multidisciplinary team consultation
- •Medication adjustments and fasting instructions
2. During Procedure
- •Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
- •Catheter inserted via femoral or radial artery
- •Balloon inflated to widen artery, stent placement if needed
- •Fluoroscopy guidance for accuracy
- •Duration: 1-2 hours
3. Post-Procedure
- •Monitoring for complications (bleeding, pain at insertion site)
- •Typically same-day or next-day discharge
- •Regular follow-up with imaging to monitor artery health
Benefits
- ✓Minimally invasive with quicker recovery than surgery
- ✓Significantly improves blood flow to affected limb
- ✓Reduces amputation risk in severe cases
- ✓Alleviates pain and improves mobility
Risks and Considerations
- •Restenosis (artery may narrow again)
- •Bleeding or infection at catheter insertion site
- •Artery damage during procedure
- •Contrast dye reactions or kidney issues
Who is a Candidate?
- •Patients with PAD and diabetic foot complications
- •Those with significant arterial blockages causing poor wound healing
- •Patients not suitable for surgical bypass
- •Those with persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment
Follow-Up and Long-Term Management
Medical Monitoring
- •Regular check-ups and Doppler ultrasound
- •Monitoring for restenosis
- •Comprehensive diabetic foot care
Lifestyle Changes
- •Strict blood sugar control
- •Smoking cessation
- •Healthy diet and regular exercise
- •Proper foot care and inspection
Diabetic Foot Emergency?
Seek immediate care for:
- •Non-healing ulcers or wounds
- •Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus)
- •Blackened or discolored toes
- •Severe foot pain at rest
Key Facts
Procedure Time
1-2 hours
Success Rate
85-90% immediate success
Hospital Stay
Typically outpatient or 1 night
Recovery Time
1-2 days to resume normal activities
Related Services
Patient Success Stories
"After my angioplasty, the pain in my legs disappeared and my foot ulcer finally healed after months of struggling."
- Rajesh, 58
"This procedure saved me from amputation. I can walk comfortably now and take care of my grandchildren again."
- Meena, 65