Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty between 1998 and 2002: Outcomes of interventions proximal and distal to the inguinal ligament

Abstract

Louise Egberg1,2, Anne-Cathrine Mattiasson1,2,3, Karl-Gösta Ljungström1, Johan Styrud11Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Division of Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden; 2Sophiahemmet University College, Stockholm, Sweden; 3Department of Nursing, Health and Culture University West, Trollhättan, SwedenObjective: The aim of this study was to examine patients who have undergone percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in order to describe patient characteristics and outcomes of interventions proximal and distal to the inguinal ligament and to assess whether different living situations may be associated with the outcome of PTA-intervention.Design: A retrospective descriptive chart review.Setting: A Swedish University Hospital between January 1998 and December 2002.Participants: All patients who have undergone PTA.Main outcome measure: Medical and nursing records from medical, surgical, orthopedic, and geriatric clinics were reviewed to obtain data. A study-specific protocol was developed.Results: Eighty-seven patients were treated with PTA proximal and 101 distal to the inguinal ligament. No significant differences regarding outcome were found. Fifty-two patients had hematoma/bruise as a complication, which was more common among non-diabetic patients; 46 without diabetes versus 6 diagnosed with diabetes (p = 0.001). When comparing patients living situations and mortality, 76 of the deceased patients had been living alone compared to 38 of the survivors (p = 0.001).Conclusions: The patients were younger in the proximal group, however no differences in outcome were found between patients who had undergone PTA whether proximal or distal to the inguinal ligament. Hematomas/bruises as a complication were more common among nondiabetic patients. Amputation was a strong predictor of death during follow-up.Keywords: angioplasty, balloon, peripheral vascular diseases, treatment outcome