Tibioperoneal Angioplasty and Bypass

Abstract

Revascularisation by angioplasty or bypass of narrowing and occlusion of the tibio-peroneal segment is done infrequently compared with the more proximal arteries, particularly the superficial femoral artery. The indication for intervention is critical limb ischaemia and the pattern of disease when it predominantly affects the calf arteries is most commonly seen in diabetics. Surgical bypass is the orthodox technique, with well-documented long-term results. Balloon dilation has recently been tried, particularly using the sub-intimal technique. The advantage of minimal invasiveness has to be set against the inapplicability of the method if severe calcification is present, as is often the case in diabetics, the high restenosis rate, and the absence of controlled trials showing good evidence of long-term patency.