Extended deep femoral angioplasty and lumbar sympathectomy as a limb salvage procedure.

Limb salvage in 27 limbs (26 patients) using the combined operations of extended deep femoral angioplasty and lumbar sympathectomy is described. A successful result was obtained in 14 cases (52%) at 6 months falling to 12 (45%) at 16 months. Prediction of outcome and postoperative progress was monitored by the measurement of the leg: arm pressure ratio using the Doppler ultrasound apparatus. No patient with a preoperative ratio of less than 0.3 had a successful result. It is proposed that lumbar sympathectomy is a logical adjunct to surgery in these patients in order to enhance the development of the collateral circulation.