Foot Angiosomes: Instructions for Use

Abstract

In the last 15 years an abundance of literature has demonstrated that angiosome-targeted revascularization, either endovascular or open, can lead to better clinical results in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. According to this literature, the angiosome concept should guide our treatment strategy in every chronic limb-threatening ischemia patient. However, in our daily practice, its application is often difficult or impossible. Most foot wounds spread over multiple angiosomes and, moreover, the value of an angiosome-guided revascularization approach can vary according to vascular anatomy, collateral vessel network, type of revascularization, and wound. The aim of this article is to explore values and limits of the angiosome concept, and to propose some "instructions for use" regarding its application in our daily practice.

Keywords: angiosome; chronic limb-threatening ischemia; foot surgery; targeted revascularization.