Effectiveness of balloon angioplasty under intravascular ultrasound guidance in calcified below-the-knee tibial arteries.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the optimal balloon diameter for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided balloon angioplasty in calcified below-the-knee (BTK) tibial artery lesions.

METHODS

Between February 2024 and April 2024, a retrospective review was conducted on 17 patients with Rutherford category 4-6 severely calcified tibial arteries with >70% stenosis, treated with IVUS-guided balloon angioplasty. Sequentially, 3 mm and then 3.5 mm diameter balloons were inflated. The minimum lumen diameter and area were measured before and after the procedure in the proximal, mid, and distal segments of the tibial arteries. One- and three-month follow-ups were conducted using Doppler ultrasound.

RESULTS

Significant increases in lumen diameter (P < 0.001 for all) and lumen area (P < 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.002, respectively) were observed in the proximal, mid, and distal segments of the BTK arteries following IVUS-guided 3.5 mm balloon angioplasty. Ultra-low iodinated contrast media was used [median 2 mL (range, 1-4 mL)]. Lumen area increase ratios were similar among the proximal, mid, and distal segments (P = 0.905). No target vessel revascularization, major amputation, or mortality was observed during follow-up. Wound healing was seen in 62.5% of the cases with foot ulcers.

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of calcified BTK tibial arteries, a gradual balloon diameter increase up to 3.5 mm in IVUS-guided balloon angioplasty is safe and effective.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gradual balloon diameter increase up to 3.5 mm under IVUS guidance in calcified BTK lesions demonstrates significant potential. It enables ultra-low contrast usage, provides low complication rates, and achieves high patency and limb salvage, along with satisfactory wound healing in the short term.