Subintimal angioplasty for chronic lower limb arterial occlusion

Abstract

Background: Subintimal angioplasty (SIA) has become an established percutaneous procedure for the treatment of symptomatic lower limb arterial occlusions in recent years. However, the clinical benefits of this practice remain unclear. The aim of the review was to determine the effectiveness of SIA on clinical outcomes.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of SIA versus any other treatment for patients with chronic lower limb artery occlusion. This will be determined by the effects on clinical improvement, technical success rate, patency rate, limb salvage rate, and morbidity rates.

Search methods: The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator (TSC) searched the Specialised Register (last searched January 2013) and CENTRAL (2012, Issue 12). Clinical trials databases were also searched.

Selection criteria: We planned to include data from randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of SIA and any other management method in the treatment of chronic lower limb arterial occlusion.

Data collection and analysis: Two authors evaluated the trials identified from the searches for appropriateness of inclusion.

Main results: There were no randomized controlled trials in which SIA was compared with any other treatment.

Authors' conclusions: Randomized controlled trial evidence for the effectiveness of SIA is lacking. There is a need for high-quality randomized controlled trials comparing SIA with any other treatment.