The results of many years of observations show that the majority of patients lose their legs due to insufficient use of innovative treatment methods, one of which, for example, is lower limb catheterization, which is successfully used in practice by some surgeons.
Unfortunately, even in a country like the US, which occupies a leading position in many fields of medicine, hundreds of thousands of people suffer from diabetes mellitus, as a result of which many patients develop complications that lead to disruption of blood supply in the vessels of the lower extremities, manifested in the form of infected ulcers on the feet. (diabetic foot). Over time, the condition of the limbs deteriorates so much that in some cases it is already beginning to talk about amputation.
And if a few years ago such patients had no chances to save their leg, now, thanks to the new method of lower extremity catheterization, it is possible to restore the normal process of blood circulation and avoid amputation. However, to perform such a procedure, leading surgeons specializing in the field of catheterization of the vessels of the lower extremities in patients with diabetes mellitus must be consulted.
Catheterization procedure
Carrying out the catheterization procedure requires a lot of patience and precision of manipulations from specialists, since they have to work with vessels with a diameter of no more than a few millimeters and with a catheter the thickness of a hair. With the help of a catheter, surgeons pass the narrowed section of the vessel, after which the stenosis is expanded by means of an inflatable balloon with a diameter of 2-3 ml.
Such manipulations can restore normal blood flow in the feet. The area of vasoconstriction is visualized with the introduction of a contrast agent (carbon dioxide) that does not contain iodine and is safe for iodine-sensitive patients and those with renal insufficiency. The whole procedure lasts about two and a half hours and takes place under local anesthesia and sedation. A day later, the patient is discharged from the hospital.
We draw your attention to the fact that diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, therefore, blockage of blood vessels and infection of wounds may recur. In this case, re-catheterization is possible.
A well-coordinated team of experienced and qualified specialists takes part in the treatment of such patients: vascular and plastic surgeons, orthopedists and endocrinologists, whose well-coordinated actions, together with the use of innovative techniques, provide a good result.