Use of indigo carmine angiography to qualitatively assess adequate distal perfusion after endovascular revascularization in critical limb ischemia.

PURPOSE: To report a novel technique to visualize the efficacy of revascularization in critical limb ischemia patients with ischemic foot ulcers.

TECHNIQUE: An 80-year-old man was admitted with nonhealing ulcers on his left second toe and lateral border of the foot owing to in-stent restenosis of the left popliteal artery. After dilation of the popliteal in-stent restenosis, below-the-knee angiography revealed that the anterior tibial artery (ATA) was occluded, the posterior tibial artery was hypoplastic, and the peroneal artery was enlarged, with 2 plantar arteries. To evaluate the foot circulation before performing additional procedures, a 4-F multipurpose catheter was advanced into the peroneal artery, and 5 mL of indigo carmine was injected. Immediately, the patient's second toe and lateral border ulcers were dyed blue. We concluded that sufficient blood flow had been obtained to the ulcerated area by balloon angioplasty alone, so the procedure was terminated. The ulcers completely healed at 1 month.

CONCLUSION

Indigo carmine angiography provides visual information on foot perfusion, yielding new insights into microcirculation and helping to determine the effectiveness of treatment and procedure endpoint.