Comprehensive evaluation of combined AngioJet and drug-coated balloon therapy for diabetic foot ulcers with lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy combined with drug-coated balloon (DCB) therapy in patients with lower extremity arterial occlusive disease (ASO) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), focusing on its effects on hemodynamics, glycemic control, inflammatory markers, and one-year ulcer recurrence.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 198 patients with ASO and DFU treated between April 2021 and March 2024. Of these, 104 received combined AngioJet and DCB therapy (combined group), while 94 underwent mechanical thrombectomy alone (control group). Clinical outcomes, hemodynamic parameters, blood glucose levels, inflammatory markers, and functional scores were assessed before and after treatment. Ulcer recurrence was evaluated during a one-year follow-up period.

RESULTS

The combined group exhibited significantly better clinical outcomes and greater improvements in hemodynamics (pulse index and resistive index), glycemic control (fasting/postprandial glucose and HbA1c), and inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) compared to the control group. Functional indicators, including the ankle-brachial index, Rutherford and Wagner grades, and claudication distance, improved more in the combined group. The one-year recurrence rate was significantly lower in the combined group.

CONCLUSION

The combined AngioJet-DCB approach demonstrates enhanced clinical efficacy in the management of ASO-DFU by improving hemodynamic outcomes and reducing the risk of ulcer recurrence.