Doppler ultrasound in the functional assessment of extended deep femoral angioplasty

Abstract

Twelve patients who have had an extended deep femoral angioplasty (EFDA) for severe lower limb ischaemia have been assessed. The patients underwent a standard exercise ankle pressure test before operation and 6 months after operation. The test included the measurement of resting brachial and ankle pressures, walking distance on a treadmill and the post-exercise pressure response. A limb ischaemic score was derived from these measurements; 8 patients showed an improved score, 3 patients exhibited no change and 1 was worse. The mean improvement in walking distance of the successful cases was 182 per cent (s.d. 96 per cent). There were no amputations during the period of study.