Abstract

Background: Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) of the lower limb improves arterial flow and claudication symptoms, but the effects on cutaneous microvascular perfusion and reactivity have not been previously reported. Report: Cutaneous microvascular function in the feet was assessed in 12 patients with intermittent claudication before and after PTA using Laser Doppler Fluximetry (LDF) with transcutaneous iontophoretic administration of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. Maximum vasodilator responses to both endothelial-dependent and independent vasodilators were increased following PTA. Conclusions: Large vessel intervention to improve macrovascular flow has additional benefits on the downstreamcutaneous microcirculation to improve vasodilator responsiveness. These effects may be clinically important to reduce the risk of ischaemic ulceration and tissue breakdown. © 2011 European Society for Vascular Surgery.