Salvage percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the superficial femoral artery in the diabetic foot with deteriorating limb ischemia.

INTRODUCTION

PAD frequently co-occurs with diabetes, often leading to chronic nonhealing wounds. Foot gangrene and amputation are common outcomes of untreated CLI.

CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old male with diabetes and deteriorating limb ischemia following surgical stress underwent successful surgical repair after emergency PTA of the SFA for extensive heel necrosis. After surgical debridement of necrotic heel tissue, the ABI on the affected side suddenly reduced to 0.36, but it improved to 1.06 at 4 weeks following stenting angioplasty, allowing the subsequent flap surgery to repair the heel defect. At the 1-year follow-up visit, the patient exhibited durable heel coverage and the restoration of weightbearing function. No signs or symptoms indicative of restenosis were evident in the blood vessel treated with stent angioplasty.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of proper evaluation of critical ischemic conditions and the need for prompt endovascular interventions in preserving the at-risk diabetic foot.