Clinical analysis of the communicating artery between the dorsal and plantar aspects of the foot

Abstract

Purpose: One of the treatment methods for critical limb ischemia is percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). In severe cases, however, multiple vessels are blocked, including the main vessels of the lower extremities. This study aimed to determine whether wound healing and symptom relief occurred depending on whether the communicating artery was patent after PTA.Methods: In total, 120 patients (120 lower extremities) who underwent PTA from January 2016 to February 2018 were followed up for 6 months.Results: Out of 87 patients who had wounds, 34 had a patent communicating artery and 53 had a non-patent communicating artery. Out of 34 patients who had wounds but a patent communicating artery, 29 completely healed within 6 months. Among the 53 patients who had wounds and a non-patent communicating artery, 16 totally healed within 6 months, and 37 did not heal within 6 months. In the indirect revascularization group, 18 of 21 patients with complete wound healing within 6 months in the indirect revascularization group had a patent communicating artery.Conclusion: If only indirect revascularization is possible, it is important to ensure the patency of the communicating vessels that link the pedal and plantar arterial systems.