EXTENDED DEEP FEMORAL ANGIOPLASTY AND LUMBAR SYMPATHECTOMY AS A LIMB SALVAGE PROCEDURE

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (2) , 146-148
Abstract
Limb salvage in 27 limbs (26 patients with pain, digital gangrene or ischemic ulceration) using the combined operations of extended deep femoral angioplasty and lumbar sympathectomy is described. Successful results were obtained in 14 cases (52%) at 6 mo. falling to 12 (45%) at 16 mo. Predication of outcome and postoperative progress was monitored by the measurement of the leg:arm pressure ratio using the Doppler ultrasound apparatus. No patient with a preoperative ratio of < 0.3 had a successful result. Apparently lumbar sympathectomy is a logical adjunct to surgery in order to enhance the development of the collateral circulation.