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.