Predictors of major adverse lower limb events in patients with tissue loss secondary to critical limb-threatening ischemia

BACKGROUND

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is the end-stage of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) posing a high risk for limb loss and mortality. This study aims to evaluate and list possible predictors of major adverse limb events (MALEs) in CLTI patients with tissue loss.

METHODS

This retrospective study included all Rutherford-Becker stage 5 or 6 patients who required foot debridement and revascularization in our department from January 2016 to December 2018. The limbs were classified according to the TASC II, GLASS and WiFI grading systems. The primary composite outcome was MALEs at 2 years. The secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, primary patency, freedom from reintervention, and major amputation. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to determine the event rates, and Cox proportional hazards model with the index MALE as a time-dependent covariate was used to search for MALEs predictors.

RESULTS

Of 241 included patients, 19 underwent open surgeries (7.9 %) 207 had endovascular interventions (85.9 %) and 15 required a hybrid approach (6.2 %). On univariate analysis, patients who experienced MALEs (n = 111) more often required hemodialysis (25 vs 15; p = .02), presented with more complex lesions (TASC D on femoropopliteal (p = .05) or below the knee (BTK) arteries (p = .006) with increasing infra-inguinal GLASS Stage (p < .0001)), a history of index limb open (p = .009) or endovascular (p = .049) revascularization, an occluded tibial artery (p = .002 for the posterior tibial and p = .052 for the anterior tibial), or a "desert foot" (p = .02). The CRP level was also higher at admission (p = .001). Technical success of BTK revascularization significantly reduced MALEs (p < .0001) along with the number of patent BTK vessels (p = .0007). Independent predictors of MALEs included hemodialysis (HR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.14 to 3.39), pulsatile arterial pressure (HR = 1.01; 95%CI: 1.00 to 1.03) and the infra-inguinal GLASS Stage (HR = 2.50; 95%CI: 1.17 to 5.82). We could not correlate our results with the WiFI scores for amputation risk and revascularization benefit.

CONCLUSION

For patients with CLTI at the stage of trophic disorders, with or without a history of index limb revascularization, the GLASS successfully predicted MALEs. Hemodialysis and high pulsatile arterial pressure increased the risk of MALEs. The WiFI score did not demonstrate its interest in this subgroup of patients.

Endovascular revascularization of critical limb ischemia: the role of ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block for the procedural pain management

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of the ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block (PSNB) for pain management during endovascular treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From November 2020 to January 2022, 111 CLTI patients that underwent endovascular procedures were prospectively enrolled in this prospective single-arm interventional study. Ultrasound-guided PSNB was used for procedural pain control. Pain intensity was evaluated throughout the procedure (baseline, 10 min after the block, pain peak, and at the end of the procedure) with the visual analog scale (VAS).

RESULTS

Forty-six patients underwent above-the-knee revascularization (ATK), 20/111 below-the-knee (BTK) revascularization, 20/111 to both ATK and BTK revascularization. In 25 cases, no endovascular option was feasible at diagnostic angiography. The PSNB was effective in 96% of patients, with no need for further pain management with a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.0001) in the mean value of the VAS from 7.86 ± 1.81 (pre-procedural) to 2.04 ± 2.20 after 10 min from the block and up to 0.74 ± 1.43 at the end of the procedure (mean time 43 min). Only 1 complication related to the popliteal sciatic nerve block was registered (a temporary foot drop, completely resolved within 48 h). The time necessary to perform the block ranged between 4 and 10 min.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided PSNB is a feasible and effective method to manage patients with rest pain and increase comfort and compliance during endovascular procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

An ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block is a safe, feasible, and effective technique to manage pain during endovascular treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia, especially in frail patients with multiple comorbidities who are poor candidates for deep sedoanalgesia or general anesthesia.

KEY POINTS

Endovascular treatment of CTLI may require long revascularization sessions in patients with high levels of pain at rest, which could be exacerbated during the revascularization procedure. The PSNB is routinely used for anesthesia and analgesia during foot and ankle surgery, but the experience with lower limb revascularization procedures is very limited and not included in any international guideline. Ultrasound-guided PSNB is a feasible and effective regional anesthesia technique to relieve procedural and resting pain. Because of its safety and availability, every interventional radiologist should know how to perform this type of loco-regional anesthesia.

The intersocietal IWGDF, ESVS, SVS guidelines on peripheral artery disease in people with diabetes mellitus and a foot ulcer

Diabetes related foot complications have become a major cause of morbidity and are implicated in most major and minor amputations globally. Approximately 50% of people with diabetes and a foot ulcer have peripheral artery disease (PAD) and the presence of PAD significantly increases the risk of adverse limb and cardiovascular events. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence based guidelines on the management and prevention of diabetes related foot complications since 1999. This guideline is an update of the 2019 IWGDF guideline on the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of peripheral artery disease in people with diabetes mellitus and a foot ulcer. For this updated guideline, the IWGDF, the European Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Society for Vascular Surgery decided to collaborate to develop a consistent suite of recommendations relevant to clinicians in all countries. This guideline is based on three new systematic reviews. Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework clinically relevant questions were formulated, and the literature was systematically reviewed. After assessing the certainty of the evidence, recommendations were formulated which were weighed against the balance of benefits and harms, patient values, feasibility, acceptability, equity, resources required, and when available, costs. Through this process five recommendations were developed for diagnosing PAD in a person with diabetes, with and without a foot ulcer or gangrene. Five recommendations were developed for prognosis relating to estimating likelihood of healing and amputation outcomes in a person with diabetes and a foot ulcer or gangrene. Fifteen recommendations were developed related to PAD treatment encompassing prioritisation of people for revascularisation, the choice of a procedure and post-surgical care. In addition, the Writing Committee has highlighted key research questions where current evidence is lacking. The Writing Committee believes that following these recommendations will help healthcare professionals to provide better care and will reduce the burden of diabetes related foot complications.

The Intersocietal IWGDF, ESVS, SVS Guidelines on Peripheral Artery Disease in People With Diabetes Mellitus and a Foot Ulcer

Diabetes related foot complications have become a major cause of morbidity and are implicated in most major and minor amputations globally. Approximately 50% of people with diabetes and a foot ulcer have peripheral artery disease (PAD) and the presence of PAD significantly increases the risk of adverse limb and cardiovascular events. The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence based guidelines on the management and prevention of diabetes related foot complications since 1999. This guideline is an update of the 2019 IWGDF guideline on the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of peripheral artery disease in people with diabetes mellitus and a foot ulcer. For this updated guideline, the IWGDF, the European Society for Vascular Surgery, and the Society for Vascular Surgery decided to collaborate to develop a consistent suite of recommendations relevant to clinicians in all countries. This guideline is based on three new systematic reviews. Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework clinically relevant questions were formulated, and the literature was systematically reviewed. After assessing the certainty of the evidence, recommendations were formulated which were weighed against the balance of benefits and harms, patient values, feasibility, acceptability, equity, resources required, and when available, costs. Through this process five recommendations were developed for diagnosing PAD in a person with diabetes, with and without a foot ulcer or gangrene. Five recommendations were developed for prognosis relating to estimating likelihood of healing and amputation outcomes in a person with diabetes and a foot ulcer or gangrene. Fifteen recommendations were developed related to PAD treatment encompassing prioritisation of people for revascularisation, the choice of a procedure and post-surgical care. In addition, the Writing Committee has highlighted key research questions where current evidence is lacking. The Writing Committee believes that following these recommendations will help healthcare professionals to provide better care and will reduce the burden of diabetes related foot complications.

Risk of amputation under diuretics in patients with or at risk of lower extremity arterial disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recently, increased risk of amputation under sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors has been debated. Similar concerns have been raised with other "traditional" diuretics, more particularly in patients with or at risk of lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD).

AIM

To collect all available data on any potential risk of amputation associated with diuretics in patients with or at risk of LEAD. Additionally, we looked for other limb-related events in these patients.

METHODS

We searched in PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases up to February 2021 for references, using peripheral or lower extremity arterial disease, diuretics and amputation keywords, excluding case reports, experimental animal studies and non-English reports.

RESULTS

Among the 1376 hits identified in the databases, six studies were finally included in this review, including one cross-sectional and five longitudinal studies (total of 47,612 participants). One study was limited to thiazide diuretics, one focused on loop diuretics and the remainder mixed all diuretics. All studies reported a significant association between diuretic use and amputation risk in patients with or at high risk of LEAD. Despite some limitations in several studies, the meta-analysis showed an increased risk of amputation associated with diuretics (odds ratio: 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.53-1.99; P<0.001). Beyond amputation, patients with or at risk of LEAD under diuretics appeared to be at increased risk of other lower limb events, mostly in the presence of other comorbidities, including diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the amount of data in the literature is scarce, this first systematic review and meta-analysis favours an increased risk of amputation in patients with or at risk of LEAD under diuretics. Further prospective studies must be conducted to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms. Meanwhile, the use of diuretics in these patients should be parsimonious, considering alternatives whenever possible.

Foot Dorsal and Plantar Flexion to Enhance Crossing of Tortuous Highly-Calcific Ankle Vessels During Lower Limb Revascularization Procedures: A Technical Note

PURPOSE

To describe a crossing technique of stenotic/occluded and tortuous highly calcific ankle vessels during complex percutaneous limb salvage intervention in diabetic patients with ischaemic foot ulcers (Rutherford 5 and 6).

TECHNIQUE

We propose a simple technique to achieve "straightening" of the tortuous vessel and allow safe devices passage into the foot arteries, Patients were asked to hold their foot in plantar or dorsal flexion, accordingly to the treated artery. If unable to do so, an equipe member executed the manoeuvre on their behalf.

RESULTS

The technique was applied in 148 cases, with a success rate of 81% (120/148). No complications related to the manoeuvre were observed.

CONCLUSION

Crossing of tortuous distal crural vessels can be challenging in diabetic patients; in our experience, this technique can be a useful tool to obtain a successful recanalization in complex procedures with high risk of failure.

Quality of Life in Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the comparative effectiveness and temporal changes in quality of life (QoL) outcomes after revascularisation, major lower extremity amputation (MLEA), and conservative management (CM) in chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on QoL measured by any QoL instrument in adult patients with CLTI after open surgery (OS), endovascular intervention (EVI), MLEA, or CM. Randomised controlled trials and prospective observational studies published in any language between 1 January 1990 and 21 May 2021 were included. There was a pre-specified measurement time point of six months. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted on total scores for each QoL instrument. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations approach (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021253953).

RESULTS

Fifty-five studies with 8 909 patients were included. There was significant heterogeneity in the methods used to measure QoL, and the study characteristics. In particular, 14 different QoL instruments were used with various combinations of disease specific and generic instruments within each study. A narrative summary is therefore presented. Comparative effectiveness data showed there was reasonable certainty that QoL was similar between OS and EVI at six months. Temporal outcomes suggested small to moderate improvements in QOL six months after OS and EVI compared with baseline. Limited data indicated that QoL can be maintained or slightly improved after MLEA or CM. Treatment effects were overestimated owing to small study effects, selective non-reporting, attrition, and survivorship bias.

CONCLUSION

QoL after OS and EVI appears to be similar. Revascularisation may provide modest QoL benefits, while MLEA or CM can maintain QoL. However, certainty of evidence is generally low or very low, and interpretation is hampered by significant heterogeneity. There is a need for a CLTI specific QoL instrument and methodological standardisation in QoL studies.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy for TASC II D Femoropopliteal Lesions with Critical Limb Ischaemia: A Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the mid-term results of endovascular therapy (EVT) for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society (TASC) II D femoropopliteal lesions in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI).

METHODS

Fifty-seven limbs of 54 patients with CLI due to TASC II D femoropopliteal lesions who underwent EVT at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University were retrospectively analysed in single-centre, observational study. The patient characteristics, endovascular procedural details, freedom from target lesion revascularisation (TLR), patency rates, ulcer healing rate, and limb salvage rate were accessed.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 68.2 ± 8.2 years. All patients were treated by EVT. The final technical success rate was 98.2% (56/57). There were 23 cases of pain at rest, 18 cases of ulcer, and 15 cases of gangrene. The median length of the treated segment was 286 ± 42 mm (56/56) and the mean number of stents placed per patient was 2.0 ± 0.8 (49/56). The postoperative ankle-brachial index (ABI) was significantly higher than that of the preoperative ABI (P < 0.05). The perioperative complication rate was 10.7% (6/56). The re-stenosis or occlusion rate was 44.6% (25/56). The estimated rates of freedom from TLR at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 86.8%, 67.0%, and 62.5%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that predictors of freedom from TLR were the number of runoff vessels, length of the lesion, and complexity of the lesion, while predictors for re-stenosis or occlusion were the length and the complexity of the lesion. The ulcer healing rate was 93.8%. The limb salvage rates were 76.4%, 74.4%, and 70.9% at 1, 2, and 3 years after treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The mid-term outcomes of EVT for TASC II D femoropopliteal lesions in patients with CLI indicated that this treatment approach is safe and effective, and is clinically applicable.

ERICVA Risk Scale simplified as a predictor of amputation in critical limb ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Demonstrate that simplified ERICVA (Valladolid Critical Limb Ischaemia Risk Scale) is useful in predicting amputation in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLI) after one year of revascularization.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed. We analyzed the medical records of 93 patients over the age of 35 with the diagnosis of CLI who were treated in the Department of Internal Medicine, Orthopedics or in the Cardiovascular Surgery Unit of the Víctor Lazarte Echegaray Hospital and the High Complexity Virgen de La Puerta Hospital during the period 2015-2018. The simplified ERICVA score was determined in patients before surgical and endovascular revascularization. We included 31 patients who scored 2 or more points in the exposed group and 62 patients who scored less than 2 points in the group not exposed to amputation risk. The collected data was analyzed with the statistical program SPSS where the Relative Risk and significance was obtained with Pearson's Chi-square. The multivariate analysis was also carried out in order to obtain the adjusted relative risk.

RESULTS

It was identified that the simplified ERICVA score greater than or equal to 2 points was more frequent in those who underwent amputation (90.3%) compared to patients who did not undergo amputation (4.8%), increasing the risk of amputation in those patients with CLI who underwent revascularization (RR: 18.67, P<0.001). It was also possible to identify that within the group of patients that showed a high risk of amputation according to the ERICVA scale, they had a higher risk of major amputation (RR: 9.32, P<0.001) as opposed to the risk of minor amputation (RR: 1, 89, P=0.193). Among the items of the simplified ERICVA scale, the preoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and hematocrit were significantly higher in the group of amputated patients (P<0.001). In addition, it was possible to identify that the score greater than or equal to 2 was independently associated with the risk of amputation in patients revascularized with CLI (RR: 13.5, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

In our patient population, the simplified ERICVA scale is useful in predicting major and minor amputation in critical limb ischemia after revascularization. The present data showed that the patients who had a simplified ERICVA score greater than or equal to 2 had a higher risk of major amputation compared to the risk of minor amputation. However, it is important to highlight that the impact on the prediction of minor amputation is greater because in some circumstances major amputation can appear as a complication of CLI.

A novel innovative technique in the management of bilateral critical limb ischaemia: delayed saphenous vein autologous graft

A 31-year-old man with primary oxalosis and resultant polyneuropathy presented with worsening leg pain. He was found to have bilateral superficial femoral artery dissections with a non-viable left leg and critically ischaemic right leg. He underwent emergency left above-knee amputation with harvesting of the full-length ipsilateral great saphenous vein (GSV). In a novel technique, the vein was stored for 10 days before being used as conduit in a femoral-popliteal bypass in the contralateral leg. The success of the delayed GSV autograft means the salvage of clinically viable veins in non-viable limbs should be considered when patients present with bilateral acute or critically ischaemic limbs.

Return to work after cell transplantation in patients with angiitis-induced critical limb ischaemia and factors related: a single-centre retrospective cohort study

Background

Angiitis-induced critical limb ischaemia (AICLI) patients, who are usually young and have a high amputation rate, always lose their ability to return to the labour force. Return to work (RTW) not only indicates patients’ physical health, showing that they could undertake the work, but also demonstrates their psychological well-being. While cell transplantation showed satisfactory efficacy in limb salvage, few studies of AICLI patients’ RTW after transplantation have been reported.

Methods

From May 2009 to May 2021, AICLI patients who underwent cell transplantation and completed no less than 12 months of follow-up were retrospectively enrolled. The primary endpoint was RTW. Patient demographics and characteristics of the ischaemic limbs were reviewed to analyse independent risk factors for RTW.

Results

A total of 171 AICLI patients (170 males) were enrolled with a mean age of 41.9 ± 9.6 years (range: 20–57 years). The 12-month and 24-month RTW cumulative rates were 69.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 61.6–75.6%) and 70.1% (95% CI 62.3–76.2%), respectively. Age < 40 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.659, 95% CI 1.138–6.719) and preoperative occupation as a mental worker (OR 8.930, 95% CI 2.665–42.847) were identified as independent protective factors for RTW. Perioperative limb infection with ulcer or gangrene (OR 0.250, 95% CI 0.075–0.779) was identified as an independent risk factor.

Conclusion

AICLI patients who underwent cell transplantation usually had a satisfactory midterm RTW cumulative rate. AICLI patients < 40 years old with preoperative occupation as mental workers were more likely to return to work. Prevention of limb infection during the perioperative period is of great significance to RTW.

A Dose Response Association Between Body Mass Index and Mortality in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: A Meta-analysis Including 5 729 272 Individuals

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; however, the "obesity paradox", in which obese patients enjoy superior survival, has been observed in various cardiovascular conditions. Whether this phenomenon exists for peripheral artery disease (PAD) remains uncertain. The goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in patients with PAD.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search identified seven eligible cohort studies that reported the association between BMI and all cause mortality in patients with PAD. A dose response meta-analysis was done for all cause mortality, short term (30 day or in hospital) mortality and long term mortality. The dose response association between BMI and mortality was also assessed in patients who received endovascular therapy (EVT).

RESULTS

The non-linear dose response analysis showed that higher BMI values were associated with a lower mortality risk from the range between 15 kg/m² to approximately 33 - 34 kg/m². The risk of mortality increased slightly thereafter. This relationship was consistent with that of long term mortality but was not apparent in short term mortality. A U shaped relationship was also observed between BMI and mortality in patients who received EVT with the lowest mortality observed at around 30 kg/m².

CONCLUSION

The obesity paradox was evident in the analysis of long term survival among patients with PAD, with the lowest mortality rates observed in obese patients. However, this association was not observed for short term or in hospital mortality.

Intraprocedural Transcutaneous Oxygen Pressure and Systolic Toe Pressure Measurements During and After Endovascular Intervention in Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcpO₂) and systolic toe pressure (TP) during endovascular intervention.

METHODS

This was a single centre prospective, non-randomised, observational feasibility study. Patients with chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) due to infrainguinal disease scheduled for endovascular treatment were included between March 2018 and December 2019. TcpO₂ was measured continuously bilaterally at foot level throughout the procedure and at follow up. Specific time points during the intervention were chosen for comparison to baseline (before arterial puncture): average tcpO₂ level five minutes prior to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA); 10 minutes after PTA; and at completion. Bilateral TP was recorded using laser Doppler flowmetry before arterial puncture, at completion, and at clinical follow up. Angiograms were analysed for successful revascularisation and vascular lesions classified according to the Global Limb Anatomical Scoring System (GLASS). Rutherford and WIfI (Wound, Ischaemia, and foot Infection) classifications were registered, as well as clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients completed the study. Completion angiograms showed inline flow to the foot in all but two patients. Median time to follow up was 10 weeks (range 8 - 13 weeks) and all patients except one improved clinically. TcpO₂ decreased during the initial stage of the intervention, from before arterial puncture to five minute average before PTA (p < .001) and did not recover to above baseline values at the end of intervention. TcpO₂ increased significantly at follow up (p < .001). TP increased statistically significantly during intervention (p < .001) and at follow up (p < .001) compared with baseline.

CONCLUSION

TcpO₂ and TP measurements are safe and feasible non-invasive techniques for haemodynamic monitoring during endovascular revascularisation. TP increased significantly immediately after completion of the successful intervention, whereas tcpO₂ did not. Both TP and tcpO₂ demonstrated a significant increase at the 10 week follow up.

Clinical safety of low-dose anticoagulation with fondaparinux in patients undergoing peripheral endovascular treatment due to critical limb-threatening ischaemia - a pilot study

AIMS

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of fondaparinux in addition to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with critical limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI).

METHODS

Fondaparinux (2.5 mg/d) was administered for 1-4 weeks after endovascular procedures together with DAPT (fondaparinux arm). Patients who received standard DAPT were retrospectively matched and generated the control arm. Demographic, angiographic and follow-up data, including (i) clinically relevant bleeding and (ii) target vessel revascularisation or major amputation after 12 months was analysed.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (78.7 ± 6.9 years, 14 [58%] female, 4 TASC B, 10 TASC C and 10 TASC D lesions, total lesion length = 210 ± 98 mm, mean Rutherford class = 4.7 ± 0.6) received fondaparinux (over a period of 22 ± 9 d, range 7-28 d) and DAPT versus 24 control patients who received standard DAPT (78.3 ± 8.4 years, 14 [58%] female, 4 TASC B, 8 TASC C and 12 TASC D lesions, total lesion length = 204 ± 73 mm, mean Rutherford class = 4.6 ± 0.6). During follow-up, 3(13%) patients in the fondaparinux arm exhibited significant bleeding versus 5 (21%) in the control arm (p = ns). Four (17%) patients of the fondaparinux arm underwent target vessel revascularisation or major amputation versus 6 (25%) in the control group (p = ns).

CONCLUSIONS

Adding fondaparinux to DAPT does not seem to result in excess of clinically relevant bleeding. Our preliminary data suggest that prospective studies are now warranted in larger patient cohorts.

GERMAN CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTER

DRKS00015856.

Associations of Clinical Frailty with Severity of Limb Threat and Outcomes in Chronic Limb-threatening Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the relationship of frailty and severity of chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI), and their comparative associations with one-year outcomes, in patients presenting to a vascular limb salvage (VaLS) clinic.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study utilised data collected from a prospectively maintained VaLS clinic database. Patients aged ≥50 presenting to the VaLS clinic with CLTI between February 2018 and April 2019 were included. Frailty was measured using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and limb threat severity by the Wound, Ischaemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) score. Excessive polypharmacy was defined as ≥10 medications. Anticholinergic burden (ACB) score and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were calculated for all patients. The primary outcome measure was a composite endpoint of death or amputation at one-year. Associations with outcome were assessed using Cox regression and reported as hazards ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients were included, with CFS scores available for 190 patients. 98 patients (52%) were frail (CFS ≥5). 127 patients (67%) initially underwent endovascular revascularisation. Excessive polypharmacy was common (55 patients; 28%). Frailty was associated with increased WIfI stage (P = 0.025) as well as age, female sex, CCI score, number of medications, excessive polypharmacy but not ACB score. Frail patients were more frequently managed non-operatively (P = 0.017). Frailty (HR 1.91; 95% CI 1.09, 3.34; P = 0.024) and WIfI stage 4 (HR 3.29; 95%CI 1.23, 8.80; P = 0.018) were associated with death or amputation on univariable analysis. WIfI stage 4 (HR 2.80; 95%CI 1.04, 7.57; P = 0.042) and CCI score (HR 1.21; 95%CI 1.03, 1.41; P = 0.015), but not frailty (HR 1.25; 95%CI 0.67, 2.33; P = 0.474), were independently associated with death or amputation on multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Frailty is highly prevalent among CLTI patients and related to severity of limb threat. The CFS may be a useful adjunct to patient risk assessment in CLTI.

Patient Reported Outcome Measures for Major Lower Limb Amputation Caused by Peripheral Artery Disease or Diabetes: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Most major lower limb amputations are related to peripheral artery disease (PAD) or diabetes. Just 40% of patients who undergo major lower limb amputation will use a prosthesis yet measures of surgical success commonly focus on prosthesis use. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable to comprehensively evaluate health related quality of life (HRQL) after surgery. This systematic review aimed to identify and describe PROMs available to assess HRQL in patients after amputation for PAD or diabetes.

METHODS

A search was conducted based on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) for systematic reviews of PROMs. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane CENTRAL were also searched from inception until August 2019. Included were articles describing the development, measurement properties, or evaluation of HRQL via a PROM in adult patients after amputation for PAD or diabetes. Studies of amputation exclusively for trauma or malignancy were excluded. Data were collected on study characteristics, PROM characteristics (generic/disease specific), and properties of amputation specific PROMs.

RESULTS

Of 3 317 abstracts screened, 111 full text articles were assessed for eligibility and 64 included. Fifty-six studies evaluated HRQL, with 23 (46%) of these using an amputation specific PROM to do so. Eleven different amputation specific PROMs were identified, 10 (91%) of which were developed only for prosthesis users. One measure was suitable for use in all patients after amputation. This "Amputee single item mobility measure" includes a single item evaluating mobility. Nine studies reported some psychometric testing of an amputation specific PROM.

CONCLUSION

A well tested, multidimensional PROM applicable to wheelchair and prosthetic users after amputation is lacking and urgently needed for studies in this field. Future work to develop an appropriate measure is required.

Technical Success and Complication Rates of Retrograde Arterial Access for Endovascular Therapy for Critical Limb Ischaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Antegrade crossing techniques via transfemoral access are often challenging and may be associated with technical and clinical failure when treating patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI). The objective of this study was to summarise all available literature regarding retrograde endovascular treatment of patients with CLI and to investigate the technical success and complication rate of retrograde access.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central until May 2020. A meta-analysis of 31 observational studies (29 retrospective and two prospective; 26 and five studies with low and moderate risk of bias, respectively) was conducted with random effects modelling. The incidence of adverse events peri-procedurally and during follow up were calculated.

RESULTS

The 31 studies enrolled 1 910 patients who were treated endovascularly for femoropopliteal and/or infrapopliteal lesions causing CLI. Most of the patients had diabetes while more than half of the overall population had coronary artery disease and dyslipidaemia. All lesions were located in the infra-inguinal segment and most were chronic total occlusions (96%; 95% CI 85%-100%). Seven studies reported moderate or severe calcification in approximately half of the cases (45%; 95% CI 30%-60%). The overall technical success of the retrograde approach was 96% (18 studies; 95% CI 92%-100%). Perforation, flow limiting dissection, distal embolisation, and local haematoma at the retrograde access site were infrequent and observed in 2.1%, 0.6%, 0.1%, and 1.3% of the patients, respectively. The six month primary patency rate was 78% (five studies; 95% CI 46%-99%), the six month limb salvage rate was 77% (four studies; 95% CI 70%-84%).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the retrograde or bidirectional antegrade/retrograde approach is safe and effective and facilitates angioplasty when antegrade treatment fails. However, prospective studies with standardised wound care and surveillance protocols are needed to investigate retrograde techniques in patients with CLI who failed antegrade revascularisation, to improve long term limb salvage and survival.

Editor's Choice - Relationship Between Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) and Clinical Outcomes Following Revascularisation for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia in the Bypass Versus Angioplasty in Severe Ischaemia of the Leg (BASIL)-1 Trial

OBJECTIVE

The Global Vascular Guideline on chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) has introduced the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) as a new angiographic scoring system. However, the relationship between GLASS and outcomes following revascularisation has not previously been studied.

METHODS

Using pre-intervention angiograms the relationship between GLASS and immediate technical failure (ITF), amputation free survival (AFS), limb salvage (LS), overall survival (OS), and freedom from major adverse limb events (FF-MALE) was examined in 377 patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT, n = 213) or bypass surgery (BS, n = 164) in the Bypass versus Angioplasty in Severe Ischaemia of the Leg (BASIL)-1 trial (randomised 1999-2004).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in GLASS between cohorts. There was a significant relationship between ITF and GLASS in EVT (I 14%, II 15%, III 28%, p = .049). GLASS was significantly related to AFS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.37; 95% CI 1.01-1.85; p = .042), LS (HR 1.96; 95 % CI 1.12-3.43; p = .018), and FF-MALE (HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.04-1.87; p = .028) in the EVT cohort. In BS patients, there was no relationship between GLASS and these outcomes. FF-MALE was significantly worse after EVT than BS in GLASS II (p = .038) and III (p = .001). Among the subgroup of patients with femoropopliteal (FP) disease (BS, n = 109 or EVT, n = 159), FF-MALE was significantly higher after BS than EVT (p < .001). The superiority of BS over EVT with increasing GLASS FP grade was greater in the analysis of patients using vein grafts.

CONCLUSION

In the BASIL-1 cohort, GLASS is associated with outcomes following EVT but not BS. Although further validation in contemporary CLTI cohorts is required, GLASS seems likely be useful in shared decision making and for stratifying patients in future trials.

A 'hot clinic' for cold limbs: the benefit of urgent clinics for patients with critical limb ischaemia

INTRODUCTION

The national reconfiguration of vascular surgery means that arterial centres serve larger populations with increased demand on resources. Emergency general surgery ambulatory clinics facilitate timely review and intervention, avoiding admission; a critical limb ischaemia (CLI) 'hot clinic' (HC) was implemented to achieve similar for vascular patients. The aim of the study was to determine HC efficacy.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study comparing HC patients with emergency admission (EA) patients between 1 May and 1 December 2017. Age, sex, comorbidities, CLI severity and smoking status were noted. HC patients were provided with satisfaction surveys. Primary outcome measures were freedom from reintervention and major amputation. Secondary outcome measures included time to procedure, length of stay, returns to theatre and 30-day readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 147 patients (72 HC, 75 EA) were enrolled in the study. No statistical difference was found in age, sex, smoking status, severity of CLI or prevalence of comorbidities between the groups except that diabetes was more prevalent in EA patients (p=0.028). The median length of stay for the HC cohort was shorter (3 days vs 17 days, p<0.001), with no difference between time to procedure, return to theatre or 30-day readmission. HC patients were nearly 6 times more likely to experience freedom from reintervention (odds ratio: 5.824, p<0.001) and 2.5 times less likely to undergo amputation (odds ratio: 2.616, p=0.043). HC utilisation saved a total of 441 bed days. Over 90% of attendees responded with 100% positive feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

A vascular HC facilitates urgent review and revascularisation. It provides comparable in-hospital outcomes and better long-term outcomes, with greater efficiency than hospital admission, demonstrating its value in treating CLI.

Editor's Choice - Impact of Endovascular Pedal Artery Revascularisation on Wound Healing in Patients With Critical Limb Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the impact of endovascular pedal artery revascularisation (PAR) on the clinical outcomes of patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI).

METHODS

This retrospective analysis of a single centre cohort included 239 patients who underwent endovascular revascularisation of infrapopliteal arteries for a chronic ischaemic wound. PAR was attempted in 141 patients during the procedure. After propensity score matching, there were 87 pairs of patients with and without PAR.

RESULTS

After the matching, the two groups showed balanced baseline clinical and lesion characteristics. PAR was achieved in 60.9% of the PAR group. Direct angiosome flow was more frequently obtained in the PAR group than in the non-PAR group (81.6% vs. 34.5%; p < .001). Subintimal angioplasty (47.1% vs. 29.9%; p = .019) and pedal-plantar loop technique (18.4% vs. 0%; p < .001) were more frequent in the PAR group. At the one year follow up, the PAR group showed greater freedom from major amputation (96.3% vs. 84.2%; p = .009). The wound healing rate, overall survival, major adverse limb event, and freedom from re-intervention did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the patient subgroup with successful PAR showed a higher wound healing rate than the non-PAR group (76.0% vs. 67.0%; p = .031). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model, successful PAR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.564, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.068-2.290; p = .022) was identified as an independent factor associated with improved wound healing, whereas gangrene (HR 0.659, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.471-0.923; p = .015), C reactive protein >3 mg/dL (HR 0.591, 95% CI 0.386-0.904; p = .015), and pre-procedural absence of pedal arch (HR 0.628, 95% CI 0.431-0.916; p = .016) were associated with impaired wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Successful PAR significantly improved wound healing in patients with CLI. Thus, efforts should be made to revascularise the pedal arteries, especially when the pedal arch is completely absent.

Additional Risk Stratification Using Local and Systemic Factors for Patients with Critical Limb Ischaemia Undergoing Endovascular Therapy in the WIfI Era

OBJECTIVES

While current guidelines describe the importance of assessing limb characteristics for predicting limb prognosis in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI), several reports have also suggested that systemic factors are associated with limb prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether systemic factors have the same impact on wound healing as limb characteristics in CLI patients undergoing endovascular therapy.

METHODS

A total of 735 patients who were treated for the first time for CLI with tissue loss between April 2010 and December 2015 were extracted from a prospective registry and data for the Wound, Ischaemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification were searched retrospectively. The predictors of wound healing were explored with Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

The one year wound healing rate was 60.2% in WIfI stage 1-3 patients and 53.6% in WIfI stage 4 (p = .01). In WIfI stage 1-3, no systemic factors were significantly associated with wound healing, whereas, in WIfI stage 4 patients, non-ambulatory status [hazard ratio (HR) 1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37-2.84], haemodialysis (HR 1.90; 95% CI 1.33-2.72) and an albumin level under 3.0 g/dL (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.02-2.31), were identified as independent risk factors for failure to achieve wound healing. If none or one of these risk factors were present, wound healing was comparable with WIfI 4 and WIfI 1-3 patients (67.7% vs. 63.6%, p = .89), whereas in patients with two or more risk factors wound healing was worse in WIfI 4 than in WIfI 1-3 patients (35.7% vs. 49.5%, p = .01).

CONCLUSION

Non-ambulatory status, haemodialysis, and a low albumin level were additional systemic risk factors for impaired wound healing in patients with WIfI stage 4. The wound healing rate in WIfI stage 4 patients with one or fewer of these risk factors was comparable to that in WIfI stage 1-3.

Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty of Infrapopliteal Lesions in Patients with Critical Limb Ischaemia: 1-Year Results of the APOLLO Trial

PURPOSE

This study intended to assess effectiveness and safety of the drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty of infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions in patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) in a real-world setting.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with critical limb ischaemia who underwent infrapopliteal drug-coated balloon angioplasty with the ELUTAX SV DCB were enrolled into the prospective, multicentre, single-arm observational registry. Primary outcome was clinical improvement at 6 and 12 months. Secondary outcomes were change in quality of life, primary patency, freedom from repeat revascularisation, and amputation-free survival at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 164 patients (74.7 ± 9.2 years) with CLI were included at nine German sites between November 2015 and September 2017. The majority (79.9%) of patients had diabetes mellitus, 57.3% had renal insufficiency, and 35.3% had coronary artery disease. Mean lesion length was 71.2 ± 76.5 mm. The Rutherford category improved by 3.0 ± 2.0 (p < 0.0001) within 12 months, resulting in a clinical improvement by at least one Rutherford category in 80.2% of the patients. Walking impairment questionnaire score, European Quality of Life index, and patient-reported pain improved significantly from baseline to 6 and 12 months. Primary patency was 68.5%, freedom from target lesion revascularisation 90.6%, and amputation-free survival 83.5% at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Infrapopliteal drug-coated balloon angioplasty with the ELUTAX SV DCB in patients with critical limb ischaemia was efficacious and safe over the medium term. The study is registered with Clinical.Trials.gov (Identifier: NCT02539940).

Ten Year Experience of Using Cryopreserved Arterial Allografts for Distal Bypass in Critical Limb Ischaemia

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

In critical limb ischaemia (CLI), current guidelines recommend revascularisation whenever possible, preferentially through endovascular means. However, in the case of long occlusions or failed endovascular attempts, distal bypasses still have a place. Single segment great saphenous vein (GSV), which provides the best conduit, is often not available and currently there is no consensus about the best alternative graft.

METHODS

From January 2006 to December 2015, 42 cryopreserved arterial allografts were used for a distal bypass. Autologous GSVs or alternative autologous conduits were unavailable for all patients. The patients were observed for survival, limb salvage, and allograft patency. The results were analysed with Kaplan-Meier graphs.

RESULTS

Estimates of secondary patency at one, two and five years were 81%, 73%, and 57%, respectively. Estimates of primary patency rates at one, two and five years were 60%, 56%, and 26%, respectively. Estimates of limb salvage rates at one, two and five years were 89%, 89%, and 82%, respectively. Estimates of survival rates at one, two and five years were 92%, 76% and 34%, respectively. At 30 days, major amputations and major adverse cardiac events were one and zero, respectively. Six major amputations occurred during the long-term follow up.

CONCLUSION

Despite a low primary patency rate at two years, the secondary patency of arterial allografts is acceptable for distal bypasses. This suggests that cryopreserved arterial allografts are a suitable alternative for limb saving distal bypasses in the absence of venous conduits, improving limb salvage rates and, possibly, quality of life.

Trans-iliac Bypass for Critical Limb Ischaemia with Groin Necrosis: A Case Report

Introduction

Infections at the level of the groin involving native or prosthetic vessels are typically bypassed using the obturator canal. However, extensive wounds or infections, particularly those involving the medial compartment of the thigh, can preclude this approach.

Report

A 66 year old male with diabetes mellitus presented after several previous revascularisations of the femoral artery with extensive necrosis of the groin and critical limb ischaemia with necrotic changes in the toes. An iliopopliteal bypass through the iliac wing was planned because of the extent of the infection.

Discussion

The post-operative course was uneventful with complete resolution of tissue loss at one year follow up.

•

In the presence of extensive groin, the trans-iliac approach is feasible.

•

The trans-iliac approach is feasible and easy to perform with good outcomes.

•

The trans-iliac bypass increase the distance from the graft to the site of infection.

Assessment of the Severity of Ischaemia and the Outcomes of Revascularisation in Peripheral Arterial Disease Patients Based on the Skin Microcirculatory Response to a Thermal Load Test

Objective

This study investigated the skin microcirculatory response to a thermal load test using a laser Doppler flowmetry device to evaluate the severity of limb ischaemia and the outcomes of revascularisation in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods

A total of 34 PAD patients (39 limbs) including 17 critical limb ischaemia (CLI) patients (21 limbs) who underwent revascularisation were enrolled. The skin microcirculation of the dorsal side of the affected foot was investigated for 15 minutes after local heating. The tests were performed both before and after revascularisation, and several parameters gleaned from the microcirculatory fluctuations were analysed and compared with the ankle brachial pressure index and the transcutaneous oxygen tension (tcPO₂) values.

Results

Among the parameters, significant differences were observed between the CLI patients and patients with claudication with regard to the increasing phase time (T_inc), the difference in the perfusion values at the onset and the peak of the transient increase in blood perfusion (PΔ), the slope of the transient increase in blood perfusion (S_in), and the slope of the decrease in blood perfusion after the peak (S_de). In CLI patients, the PΔ, S_in, and S_de values increased significantly after revascularisation. In the patients with claudication, the changes in the parameters after revascularisation were not statistically significant. The S_de showed the most statistically significant correlation with the tcPO₂ value (ρ .759, p < .001).

Conclusions

Thermal load testing can be used to evaluate the severity of limb ischaemia in patients with PAD.

•

New thermal load testing for evaluation of the severity of limb ischaemia is presented.

•

Skin blood flow response to thermal load was investigated by laser Doppler flowmetry.

•

Thermal load testing can be used to evaluate the severity of limb ischaemia.

PLX-PAD Cell Treatment of Critical Limb Ischaemia: Rationale and Design of the PACE Trial

BACKGROUND

Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is a life threatening condition with a considerable risk of major amputation and death. Besides revascularisation, no treatment has been proven to reduce the risks. Therapeutic angiogenesis by gene or cell therapy has not demonstrated definitive evidence in randomised controlled trials. PLX-PAD is an "off the shelf" allogeneic placental derived, mesenchymal like cell therapy, which, in preclinical studies, has shown pro-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties. Favourable one year amputation free survival (AFS), and trends in reduction of pain scores and increase of tissue perfusion have been shown in two small, open label, phase I trials.

METHODS

The PACE study is a phase III randomised, double blind, multicentre, multinational placebo controlled, parallel group study to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of intramuscular injections of PLX-PAD cells to treat patients with atherosclerotic CLI with minor tissue loss (Rutherford Category 5) up to the ankle level, who are unsuitable for revascularisation or carry an unfavourable risk benefit for that treatment. The study will enroll 246 patients, who after screening are randomised in a ratio of 2:1 to treatment with intramuscular injections of PLX-PAD 300 × 10⁶ cells or placebo on two occasions, eight weeks apart. The primary efficacy endpoint is time to major amputation or death (amputation free survival), which will be assessed in follow up of at least 12 months and up to 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on favourable pre-clinical and initial clinical study results, the PACE phase III randomised controlled trial will evaluate placenta derived PLX-PAD cell treatment in patients with critical limb ischaemia, with an unfavourable risk benefit for revascularisation. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03006770.

Substent Anchor Technique for Recanalisation of a Full Metal Jacket Femoropopliteal In-Stent Occlusion

Purpose

To report the endovascular treatment of a full metal jacket (FMJ) femoropopliteal chronic total occlusion (CTO) using a new ancillary retrograde technique.

Case report

An 80 year old woman with type 2 diabetes presented to the Diabetic Foot Clinic with critical limb ischaemia with tissue loss in the right leg. Her comorbidities included coronary artery disease, morbid obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and active smoking habit. The patient had been treated at another hospital by femoropopliteal FMJ stenting six years before this presentation. The duplex ultrasound showed a full length in-stent re-occlusion. An antegrade recanalisation was attempted via contralateral femoral access, but was unsuccessful. An ultrasound guided retrograde puncture of the popliteal artery in the P2 segment was performed very close to the distal occluded stent. A 0.018 guidewire was pushed in the substent plane, functioning as an anchor to achieve a stable system. The FMJ was then retrogradely recanalised with a second guidewire. The procedure was completed by antegrade angioplasty with drug coated balloons.

Conclusion

The substent anchor technique can help to achieve stability even if close to the occluded stents, and spares the distal landing zone for surgical revascularisation if the endovascular approach fails. This technique could be useful in retrograde treatment of long in-stent CTO.

•

Recanalisation of in-stent chronic total occlusion is a challenging procedure.

•

It is very difficult to treat long in-stent occlusion by an antegrade approach.

•

The retrograde route allows for easier access to the stent true lumen.

•

The distal landing zone should be spared for further surgical revascularisation.

•

The substent anchor technique offers system stability as well as being close to the CTO.

Long-term survival and fate of the leg in de novo intermittent claudication

Aims

The long-term life expectancy and fate of the leg, including progression rate to critical limb ischaemia (CLI), were analysed in de novo patients with intermittent claudication (IC).

Methods and results

A prospective cohort study was performed in 1107 patients with de novo IC. The endpoints were overall survival (OS), freedom from major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), freedom from major adverse cardiovascular and limb events (MACLE), and fate of the leg. The 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-year rates were 73.3, 47.8, 28.1, and 14.9% for OS, and 63.0, 35.6, 18.5, and 5.7% for freedom from MACE, respectively. In Cox multivariable analysis, body mass index, diabetes, haemodialysis, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were correlated with OS (P < 0.05). Ankle brachial pressure index, diabetes, coronary artery disease, haemodialysis, and CRP level were independently correlated with freedom from MACE and MACLE. Statins improved mortality, MACE, and MACLE (P < 0.05). Revascularization did not improve mortality and MACE, and femoropopliteal revascularization increased MACLE (P < 0.05). There was no deterioration of claudication in 881 patients (79.6%). Worsening claudication was noted in 211 patients (14.8% per 5 years), and 15 patients (1.1% per 5 years) worsened to CLI. Diabetes and haemodialysis were independent predictors of CLI. A history of cerebral infarction and femoropopliteal revascularization tended to increase CLI.

Conclusions

Life expectancy in patients with IC was poor, but the rate of IC progression to CLI was low. Statins improved mortality and morbidity, revascularization did not improve mortality and MACE, and femoropopliteal revascularization reduced freedom from MACLE with a risk of CLI.

Purified CD34+ cells versus peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the treatment of angiitis-induced no-option critical limb ischaemia: 12-Month results of a prospective randomised single-blinded non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) and purified CD34+ cells (PCCs) are increasingly being used at treating no-option critical limb ischaemia (NO-CLI). We aimed to compare the efficacies and uncover the advantages associated with each treatment approach.

METHODS

A randomised single-blinded non-inferiority trial (Number: NCT 02089828) was performed. NO-CLI patients were 1:1 randomised to the PBMNCs and PCCs groups, and compared in relation to safety and efficacy outcomes. The primary efficacy outcomes included major amputation and total amputation over 12 months. The major amputation-free survival (MAFS) and total amputation-free survival (TAFS) rates were calculated.

FINDINGS

Fifty patients (25 per group, 47 with thromboangiitis obliterans and 3 with other angiitis) were enrolled, with a median follow-up period of 24.5 months (interquartile range: 17-34 months). One patient in the PCCs group was lost at 2 months and one major amputation occurred in the PBMNCs group at 3 months post-transplantation. The total amputation rates at 6 months post-transplantation were 28.0% in the PCCs group and 16.0% in the PBMNCs group (p = 0.343), and remained unchanged at 12 months. The groups did not differ regarding the MAFS and TAFS (Breslow-Wilcoxon test: p = 0.3014 and p = 0.3414). The PCCs group had a significantly higher probability of rest pain relief than the PBMNCs group (Breslow-Wilcoxon test: p = 0.0454).

INTERPRETATION

PCCs was not inferior to PBMNCs at limb salvage in the treatment of angiitis-induced NO-CLI and appeared to induce earlier ischaemia relief. Each cell type had specific advantages. These outcomes require verification from longer-term trials involving larger numbers of patients. FUND: Training program for outstanding academic leaders of Shanghai health and family planning system (Hundred Talent Program，Grant No. 2018BR40); China National Natural Science Funds (Grant No. 30801122); The excellent core member training programme at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, China (Grant No. 2015ZSYXGG02); and Zhongshan Funds for the Institute of Vascular Surgery, Fudan University, China.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 02089828).

Minimising failure in critical lower limb ischaemia intervention: Adjuvant capillary bed recruitment is the missed opportunity

Critical limb ischaemia is the end stage of peripheral arterial disease before limb loss. Contemporary interventions to restore blood flow have high morbidity and mortality and fail to provide sustained restoration of peripheral circulation. Cell-based therapies designed to promote neovascularisation or angiogenesis have been shown in trials to be safe but clinically ineffective. Notwithstanding endless research in the area, no headway has been made in identifying a successful therapy designed specifically to target muscle disease in critical lower limb ischaemia. Thus, the quest to find an effective, lasting solution for critical lower limb ischaemia continues and requires more innovative therapeutic tactics. Our aim is to highlight the crucially interlinked role of the capillary bed, skeletal muscle mass and mitochondria in critical lower limb ischaemia patients and to identify novel therapeutic mechanisms that the vascular interventionalist can add to their armamentarium.

The comparative efficacy of angiosome-directed and indirect revascularisation strategies to aid healing of chronic foot wounds in patients with co-morbid diabetes mellitus and critical limb ischaemia: a literature review

BACKGROUND

Ischaemic ulcerations have been reported to persist and/or deteriorate despite technically successful revascularisations; a higher incidence of which affects patients with diabetes and critical limb ischaemia. In the context of wound healing, it is unclear if applications of the angiosome concept in 'direct revascularisation' (DR) would be able to aid the healing of chronic foot ulcerations better than the current 'best vessel' or 'indirect revascularisation' (IR) strategy in patients with co-morbid diabetes and critical limb ischaemia.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in eight electronic databases, namely AMED, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, ProQuest Health & Medicine Complete, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, PubMed, ScienceDirect and TRIP database. Articles were initially screened against a pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine eligibility and subsequently appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Five retrospective studies of varying methodological quality were eligible for inclusion in this review. Critical analysis of an aggregated population (n = 280) from methodologically stronger studies indicates better wound healing outcomes in subjects who had undergone DR as compared to IR (p < 0.001; p = 0.04). DR also appears to result in a nearly twofold increase in probability of wound healing within 12 months (hazard ratio, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.34-2.90). This suggests that achieving direct arterial perfusion to the site of ulceration may be important for the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcerations.

CONCLUSION

Incorporating an angiosome-directed approach in the lower limb revascularisation strategy could be a very useful adjunct to a solely indirect approach, which could increase the likelihood of wound healing. With the limited data currently available, findings appear promising and merit from further investigation. Additional research to form a solid evidence base for this revised strategy in patients with co-morbid diabetes and critical limb ischaemia is warranted.

A Comparison of Outcomes in Patients with Infrapopliteal Disease Randomised to Vein Bypass or Plain Balloon Angioplasty in the Bypass vs. Angioplasty in Severe Ischaemia of the Leg (BASIL) Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare outcomes in a subgroup of patients with infrapopliteal (IP) disease randomised to infrapopliteal vein bypass (VB) or plain balloon angioplasty (PBA) in the original BASIL trial.

METHODS

A comparison of outcomes from patients randomised to VB or PBA undergoing revascularisation for severe limb ischaemia (SLI) because of IP disease with or without femoropopliteal disease. Data were extracted from case report forms from the BASIL trial. The primary outcome was amputation free survival (AFS); secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), 30 day mortality and morbidity, freedom from arterial re-intervention, immediate technical success, repeat and crossover interventions, length of hospital stay, and quality of revascularisation.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were identified in the BASIL study with IP disease, 56 randomised to IP VB, and 48 to IP PBA. Groups were similar at baseline except for more chronic kidney disease and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in the VB group, and more previous surgical arterial intervention and antihypertensive use in the PBA group. There were no statistically significant differences in AFS or OS; however, clinically important trends were apparent in favour of a VB first strategy. Patients allocated to VB demonstrated significantly quicker relief of rest pain when compared with PBA (p = .005), but no significant differences in improved tissue healing. Median length of index hospital admission was significantly greater in the VB than in the PBA group (18 vs. 10 days, p < .0001) but there was no difference between the two groups in median total hospital stay between randomisation and the primary endpoint (VB 43.5 vs. PBA 42 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Further randomised trials, like BASIL-2 and BEST-CLI, are required to determine whether patients with severe limb ischaemia who require IP revascularisation and who are suitable for VB should have bypass or endovascular intervention as their primary revascularisation procedure.

BAlloon versus Stenting in severe Ischaemia of the Leg-3 (BASIL-3): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

Severe limb ischaemia (SLI) is defined as the presence of rest pain and/or tissue loss secondary to lower extremity atherosclerotic peripheral arterial disease. The superficial femoral and popliteal arteries are the most commonly diseased vessels in such patients and are being increasingly treated using endovascular revascularisation techniques. However, it is currently unknown whether drug-eluting stents and drug-coated balloons confer additional clinical benefits over more established techniques using plain balloons and bare metal stents, or whether they represent a cost-effective use of NHS resources.

Methods

The BASIL-3 trial is a UK National Institute for Health Research, Health Technology Assessment Programme-funded, multicentre, randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing the clinical and cost-effectiveness of plain balloon angioplasty with or without bail-out bare metal stenting, drug-coated balloon angioplasty with or without bail-out bare metal stenting, and primary stenting with drug-eluting stents for SLI secondary to femoro-popliteal disease. Patients with ‘multilevel’ disease may receive aorto-iliac and/or infrapopliteal treatments concurrently with their randomised femoro-popliteal intervention. The primary clinical outcome is amputation-free survival defined as the time to major (above the ankle) amputation of the index limb or death from any cause. The primary outcome for the economic analysis is cost per quality-adjusted life year. Secondary outcome measures include overall survival, major adverse limb events, major adverse cardiac events, relief of ischaemic pain, healing of tissue loss, and quality of life. The required sample size has been calculated at 861 participants (287 on each arm). These patients will be recruited over 3 years and followed-up for between 2 and 5 years.

Discussion

BASIL-3 is a pragmatic RCT designed to reflect current UK clinical practice. The results will inform decision-making regarding the appropriateness of funding the use of drug-coated balloons and drug-eluting stents, by the NHS, for the management of SLI due to femoro-popliteal disease.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry, identifier: ISRCTN14469736. Registered on 22 October 2015.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1968-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Clinimetric Evaluation of the Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients with Lower Limb Ischaemia

OBJECTIVES

Although commonly used to measure health related quality of life in patients with lower limb ischaemia, the measurement properties of the VascuQol and its assumed underlying health dimensions have not been studied in depth. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate aspects of reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the VascuQol in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and critical limb ischaemia (CLI).

METHODS

Two datasets containing 195 patients with IC and 150 patients with CLI were used. Face validity of the VascuQol was examined in interviews with patients and a survey among health professionals. Homogeneity and structural validity of the VascuQol were assessed using Cronbach's α coefficients and explanatory factor analysis. Furthermore, convergent validity and known group validity were assessed.

RESULTS

During the face validity interviews, three items were indicated as less relevant. Homogeneity analysis showed that the α coefficient of the VascuQol was .93, while the symptoms and social domains had α coefficients below the threshold of .70. The original five domains of the VascuQol could not be reproduced. Instead, factor analysis yielded a three factor solution. Moderate correlations were found for the activities, social and emotional VascuQol domains and matching health domains of other patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Lower convergent correlations were observed for the pain domain and the sumscore of the VascuQol. The VascuQol was able to distinguish between patients' level of HRQL in relation to their disease severity (IC versus CLI patients).

CONCLUSIONS

There is room for improvement of the VascuQol questionnaire. Further clinimetric studies should be performed to strengthen clinically relevant findings based on this instrument.

Venous Arterialisation for Salvage of Critically Ischaemic Limbs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is the end stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and is associated with high amputation and mortality rates and poor quality of life. For CLI patients with no revascularisation options, venous arterialisation could be a last resort for limb salvage.

OBJECTIVE

To review the literature on the clinical effectiveness of venous arterialisation for lower limb salvage in CLI patients with no revascularisation options.

METHOD

Different databases were searched for papers published between January 1966 and January 2016. The criteria for eligible articles were studies describing outcomes of venous arterialisation, published in English, human studies, and with the full text available. Additionally, studies were excluded if they did not report limb salvage, wound healing or amputation as outcome measures. The primary outcome measure was post-operative limb salvage at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were 30 day or in-hospital mortality, survival, patency, technical success, and wound healing.

RESULTS

Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria. The included studies described 768 patients. According to the MINORS score, methodological quality was moderate to poor. The estimated pooled limb salvage rate at one year was 75% (0.75, 95% CI 0.70-0.81). Thirty day or in-hospital mortality was reported in 12 studies and ranged from 0 to 10%. Overall survival was reported in 10 studies and ranged from 54% to 100% with a mean follow-up ranging from 5 to 60 months. Six studies reported on patency of the venous arterialisations performed, with a range of 59-71% at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

In this systematic review on venous arterialisation in patients with non-reconstructable critical limb ischaemia, the pooled proportion of limb salvage at 12 months was 75%. Venous arterialisation could be a valuable treatment option in patients facing amputation of the affected limb; however, the current evidence is of low quality.

Not All Patients with Critical Limb Ischaemia Require Revascularisation

OBJECTIVES

International guidelines recommend revascularisation as the preferred treatment for patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI). Most contemporary research focuses on the outcome of invasive procedures for CLI, but little is known about the outcome of conservative management. Amputation free survival (AFS) and overall survival (OS) was investigated in patients with CLI who did or did not receive revascularisation, and characteristics associated with clinical outcomes were explored.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with chronic CLI between 2010 and 2014 in a Dutch university hospital. CLI was defined as the presence of ischaemic rest pain or tissue loss in conjunction with an absolute systolic ankle pressure < 50 mmHg or a toe pressure < 30 mmHg. Patients were divided into invasive (revascularisation within 6 weeks), deferred invasive (revascularisation after 6 weeks), or permanently conservative treatment groups. Univariable and multivariable survival analyses were used to identify factors associated with AFS and OS.

RESULTS

The majority (66.7%; N = 96) of the identified 144 patients with CLI (mean age 71.2 years; median follow-up 99 weeks) underwent revascularisation within 6 weeks of diagnosis. Deferred invasive treatment was provided in 18.1% (N = 26) patients and 22 patients (15.3%) were treated permanently conservatively. AFS and OS did not differ significantly between the three groups (Breslow-Wilcoxon p = .16 for AFS and p = .09 for OS). Age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease were significant independent predictors of AFS. Age, COPD, and hypertension were significant independent predictors of OS. Treatment was not a significant predictor of either AFS or OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Not all patients with CLI require revascularisation to achieve an AFS that is similar to patients undergoing revascularisation, although the efficacy of conservative versus invasive treatment in CLI patients is still unclear. Further prospective studies should determine subgroups of patients in whom revascularisation may be omitted.

Critical limb ischaemia and the response to bone marrow-derived cell therapy according to tcPO2 measurement

BACKGROUND

Cell therapy is an emerging potential biotherapy for critical limb ischaemia (CLI) patients who are not eligible for revascularization. However, the findings on this technique's efficacy are inconsistent. Trials investigating this topic focused on the more severe CLI patients who were often beyond any therapy. Therefore, identifying those who may truly benefit from cell transplantation is now warranted. To this end, we studied the prognostic value of tcPO₂ for major amputation after 1 year in patients treated with bone marrow-derived cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CLI patients ineligible for revascularization were included in a cell-therapy pilot study. On inclusion, patients underwent tcPO₂ measurement in supine and sitting positions. For a tcPO₂ < 10 mmHg in the supine position, the vascular reserve was defined by tcPO₂ > 30 mmHg in the sitting position. Patients were administered intramuscular injections of mononuclear cells derived from aspirated bone marrow.

RESULTS

In total, 25 patients (a lower limbs) were included for analysis. At inclusion, 11 lower limbs had tcPO₂ at rest > 10 mmHg, and 16 lower limbs had a tcPO₂ < 10 mmHg. The success probability for cell therapy was 0.79 (95 % CI 0.38-0.94) and 0.44 (95 % CI 0.18-0.67), respectively (p = 0.1). Of the 16 limbs with tcPO2 < 10 mmHg, the success rate was considerably higher in patients demonstrating a tcPO₂ increase in a sitting position of over 30 mmHg (6/8, success probability 0.71, 95 % CI 0.26-0.92) compared to those without (2/8, success probability 0.15, 95 % CI 0.01-0.48, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with chronic CLI for whom cellular therapy is a therapeutic option, a tcPO₂ < 10 mmHg at rest, without vascular reserve (i. e. < 30 mmHg when sitting), is a prognostic indicator for poor outcome.
.

Design of a New Risk Score in Critical Limb Ischaemia: The ERICVA Model

OBJECTIVES

It is difficult to establish which patients suffering from critical lower limb ischaemia will benefit from revascularization. Risk scores can provide objectivity in decision making. The aim was to design a new risk score (ERICVA) and compare its predictive power with the PREVENT III and Finnvasc scores.

METHODS

An observational retrospective study of patients who underwent revascularization (open or endovascular) in Valladolid's University Hospital between 2005 and 2010 was designed. The sample was divided into two subgroups (development and validation subsamples). After univariate analysis followed by a multivariate Cox regression, a number of variables associated with death and/or major amputation were selected, creating a weighed score called ERICVA, and a simplified version of it. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed and the AUC of these two scores were additionally compared with the AUC of the PREVENT III and Finnvasc scales.

RESULTS

Six hundred and seventy two cases with an average surveillance of 778 days were included in the study. Amputation free survival (AFS) was 84.8% at 30 days and 63.1% at 1 year. Variables associated with death and/or major amputation in the Cox regression were cerebrovascular disease, prior contralateral major amputation, diabetes mellitus, dialysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, haematocrit less than 30%, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio exceeding 5, absence of arterial Doppler signal at the ankle, emergency admission, and Rutherford stage 6; these variables were used for the ERICVA and simplified ERICVA score designs. Scores were applied to both subsamples; in the development sample the AUC of ERICVA and simplified ERICVA was significantly higher than the PREVENT III (p = .008 and p = .045) and Finnvasc (p < .0001 and p = .0013) scores; in the validation sample the AUC of ERICVA and simplified ERICVA were significantly higher than Finnvasc score (p = .0323 and p = .0017).

CONCLUSIONS

The ERICVA model has a good predictive capacity for death and/or major amputation in the clinical setting, and is better than the PREVENT III and Finnvasc scores.

Peripheral arterial disease and critical limb ischaemia: still poor outcomes and lack of guideline adherence

AIMS

Only few and historic studies reported a bad prognosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and critical limb ischaemia (CLI). The contemporary state of treatment and outcomes should be assessed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From the largest public health insurance in Germany, all in- and outpatient diagnosis and procedural data were retrospectively obtained from a cohort of 41 882 patients hospitalized due to PAD during 2009-2011, including a follow-up until 2013. Patients were classified in Rutherford categories 1-3 (n = 21 197), 4 (n = 5353), 5 (n = 6916), and 6 (n = 8416). The proportions of patients with classical risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and smoking declined with higher Rutherford categories (each P < 0.001) while diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and chronic heart failure increased (each P < 0.001). Angiographies and revascularizations were performed less often in advanced PAD (each P < 0.001). In-hospital amputations increased continuously from 0.5% in Rutherford 1-3 to 42% in Rutherford 6, as also myocardial infarctions, strokes, and deaths (each P < 0.001). Among 4298 amputated patients with CLI, 37% had not received any angiography or revascularization neither during index hospitalization nor the 24 months before. During follow-up (mean 1144 days), 7825 patients were amputated and 10 880 died. Kaplan-Meier models projected 4-year mortality risks of 18.9, 37.7, 52.2, and 63.5% in Rutherford 1-3, 4, 5, and 6, and for amputation of 4.6, 12.1, 35.3, and 67.3%, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression models, PAD categories were significant predictors of death, amputation, myocardial infarction, and stroke (each P < 0.001). Length of in-hospital stay (5.8 ± 6.7 days, 10.7 ± 11.1days, 15.2 ± 13.8 days and 22.1 ± 20.3 days; P < 0.001) and mean case costs (3662 ± 3186 €, 5316 ± 6139 €, 6021 ± 4892 €, and 8461 ± 8515 €; P < 0.001) increased continuously in Rutherford 1-3, 4, 5, and 6. While only 49% of the patients suffered from CLI, these produced 65% of in-hospital costs (141 million €), and 56% during follow-up (336 million €).

CONCLUSION

Regardless of recent advances in PAD treatment, current outcomes remain poor especially in CLI. Despite overwhelming evidence for reduction of limb loss by revascularization, CLI patients still received significantly less angiographies and revascularizations.

Predictors of medium-term patency in percutaneous endovascular therapy of femoro-popliteal lesions

BACKGROUND

The objective is to study the medium-term results of angioplasty and stenting in the femoro-popliteal sector in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), and identify angiographic predictive factors of primary patency.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of 98 patients with critical ischemia and angiographic lesions characterized as TASC A=13 (14%), B=38 (40%), C=24 (25%) or D=20 (21%). A total of 106 angioplasties and primary self-expanding stents (mean length of stent coverage of 19cm) were performed between January 2006 and January 2011.

RESULTS

The immediate results of patency, limb salvage and survival were 95, 96 and 96%, respectively. Primary patency at 1 and 2 years was 54 and 38%, respectively. Twenty-seven cases (25%) required endovascular iterative procedures, providing an assisted patency at 1 and 2 years of 72 and 60%, and a secondary patency of 80 and 67%. A lower primary patency was observed (log rank) when stent length was >20cm (P<.001), popliteal artery was invloved (P=.004), and in TASC C and D lesions (P=.04). In multivariate analysis (Cox), only stent length>20cm was an independent negative predictor for primary patency (HR=5.7, P<.001). The limb salvage at 1 and 2 years was 83 and 81%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Angioplasty with stent in the femoro-popliteal sector is a safe technique, but with significantly lower permeability results in injuries that require stent coverage of more than 20cm. In these cases, vein bypass surgery should be the procedure of choice.

Duplex surveillance after endovascular revascularisation for critical limb ischaemia

OBJECTIVE

Despite the popularity of endovascular therapy (EVT) for critical limb ischaemia (CLI), there are few studies investigating the efficacy of duplex ultrasound (DUS) surveillance after endovascular interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate DUS surveillance after EVT for CLI.

METHODS

146 endovascular procedures in 134 consecutive patients with CLI between 2011 and 2012 were included. Follow-up visits with ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe pressure, and target vessel DUS were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months after revascularisation.

RESULTS

The median age of the study population was 79 years, 58% were males, and 55% had diabetes. The target artery was at the iliac, femoro-popliteal, and infrapopliteal level in 2%, 54%, and 44% of cases, respectively. There were 282 follow-up visits. In 15 (5.3%) DUS examinations, the target vessel was not seen properly. In the remaining 267 DUS, the majority of the target arteries were patent with no or mild restenosis (n = 169, 63.3%), but in 98 (36.7%) examinations, the target artery was stenosed or occluded. When DUS was compared with the clinical presentation, there was no correlation in 30% and when DUS and toe pressure were compared, discrepancy was seen in 29%. A re-angiogram was performed for 29 patients, and the DUS finding was verified in each case. During the mean follow-up of 11 months, a new endovascular intervention was performed on 37 (25.3%) limbs, and 4 (2.7%) underwent surgical bypass. Four (3.0%) patients died and 6 (4.5%) underwent major amputation.

CONCLUSION

Clinical status or toe pressure alone were adequate markers of endovascular revascularisation failure in the majority of the patients, but would have missed up to one-third of the clinically significant re-stenoses or occlusions. DUS is therefore a valuable aid in surveillance after EVT for CLI, especially for patients with an ischaemic tissue lesion.

Recent trends in morbidity and in-hospital outcomes of in-patients with peripheral arterial disease: a nationwide population-based analysis

AIMS

The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and especially of critical limb ischaemia (CLI) is announced to rise dramatically worldwide, with a considerable impact on the health care and socio-economic systems. We aimed to characterize the recent trends in morbidity and in-hospital outcome of PAD among all hospitalized patients in the entire German population between 2005 and 2009.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nationwide data of all hospitalizations in Germany in 2005, 2007, and 2009 were analysed regarding the prevalence of PAD, comorbidities, endovascular (EVR) and surgical revascularizations (SR), major and minor amputations, in-hospital mortality, and associated costs. From 2005 to 2009, total PAD cases increased by 20.7% (from 400 928 to 483 961), with an increase of CLI subset from 40.6 to 43.5%. Total EVR increased by 46%, while thromb-embolectomy, endarterectomy, and patch plastic increased by 67, 42, and 21%, respectively. Peripheral bypasses decreased by 2%. Major amputation decreased from 4.6 to 3.5%, while minor amputation slightly increased from 4.98 to 5.11%. The crude overall in-hospital mortality remained unchanged in claudicants (2.2%), while it decreased from 9.8 to 8.4% in CLI patients. However, mortality rate according to the Poisson model (n/1000 hospital residence days) increased significantly in claudicants (P < 0.001). Total reimbursement costs for PAD in-patient care increased by 21% with an average per case costs in 2009 of €4506 in a claudicant and €6791 in a CLI patient.

CONCLUSION

This population-based analysis documents the significant rise of PAD, particularly of the CLI subset, and highlights the malign prognosis associated with PAD as indicated by high amputation and in-hospital mortality rates.

Stem cell therapy for critical limb ischaemia - a review

Critical limb ischaemia is an intractable condition associated with high levels of amputation, leading to a low quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. It is often not treatable by standard therapeutic modalities. Neoangiogenesis has been proposed as a novel method of treatment of such patients. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cytokine fibroblast growth factor (FGF-1) have been shown to elicit neoangiogenesis. Stem cells are progenitor cells which can differentiate in vivo into different types of cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of adult stem cells which have an immunomodulatory effect. Stem cell therapy has been used in animal studies to improve limb vascularity in rat and rabbit models. Several clinical studies have also validated their use for critical limb ischaemia. However many issues are still unresolved. These include the dosage, delivery and safety issues in relation to stem cell therapy. However stem cells are likely to be an important therapeutic modality to treat critical limb ischaemia in the near future.