Deep calf veins arterialization for inferior limb preservation in diabetic patients with extended ischaemic wounds, unfit for direct arterial reconstruction: preliminary results according to an angiosome model of perfusion.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The study proposes to evaluate the limb salvage in diabetic ischemic limbs with foot wounds, where all types of common arterial reconstructions have previously failed or were impracticable, by using the "SAVES" technique (selective arterio-venous endoluminal switch) for deep calf veins arterialization upon an angiosomes model of distribution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Since January 2001 until September 2009, a series of 26 limbs with threatening ischemic wounds in 25 diabetic patients at high risk for major amputation and no feasible conventional revascularizations, were treated by the hybrid (surgical and endovascular) SAVES technique and were retrospectively reviewed. The method consists in selective arterialization of the deep calf veins with synchronous endoluminal exclusion of the collaterals, guided by an angiosomes- model of vascularization. There were 12 limbs treated by preferential anterior tibial veins arterialization, 11 with revascularizations in the posterior tibial and three others targeting the peroneal-related territorial wound distribution.

RESULTS: The initial technical success was achieved in 21 of 26 limbs (80%) with 0% 30-day perioperative mortality rate. The cumulative primary and secondary patency were: 66%, 60% and 48%, at 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. Limb salvage revealed 73% at one year and steady 73% afterwards, while the clinical success was: 68%, 60% and 60% at identical time intervals.

CONCLUSION: Selective deep calf venous arterialization oriented by an angiosome model for reperfusion may represent a complementary alternative for limb salvage in extreme situations, inoperable by direct arterial methods. Larger groups of study are needed to ascertain these preliminary observations.