Diagnostic Arteriogram for Lower Extremity Occlusions

May 7, 2024

Summary of Left Lower Extremity Diagnostic Arteriogram Procedure

The lecture video demonstrates a diagnostic arteriogram performed on the left lower extremity of an elderly female patient with a history of endovascular interventions and recent onset of rest pain and toe discoloration. The procedure involved using a contralateral approach to access the arteries and perform angiography to evaluate arterial occlusions and plan further management.

Key Points from the Lecture

Patient Background

  • Elderly female with multiple previous left lower extremity interventions.
  • Presented with 3-day history of rest pain and discoloration in the left fourth and fifth toes.
  • An ultrasound arterial duplex showed occlusion in the left superficial femoral artery (SFA) and tibial anterior (TA) arteries, with reduced Doppler signals in other vessels.

Preparation and Procedure

  • The procedure was done under monitored sedation and sterile conditions.
  • Initial access was gained via the right groin, with preparations made to access the left groin if necessary.

Technique and Tools Employed

  • Local Anesthesia: Local infiltration using lidocaine and epinephrine.
  • Access Technique: Utilized a mini stick coaxial micro introducer kit and a 21-gauge needle guided by ultrasound for arterial access.
  • Fluoroscopy: A Siemens Artis unit confirmed wire placement into the abdominal aorta.
  • Wire and Sheath Placement:
    • Introduction of a 5 French dilator and sheath over a 0.018 guide wire.
    • Exchange of the initial wire for a 0.035 Benson wire for contralateral lower extremity access.
    • Placement of a short 5 French sheath in the right common femoral artery post skin nick using an 11 blade.

Imaging and Visualization

  • Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA): Used to check for access vessel complications and visualize the aorta-iliac system.
  • The Bentson wire and catheters facilitated detailed visualization of the entire arterial system to the level of the left lower extremity:
    • Common femoral artery
    • Superficial femoral artery (SFA)
    • Profunda femoral artery
    • Popliteal artery
    • Anterior tibial, Peroneal, and Posterior tibial arteries

Findings

  • Long segment occlusion of the SFA and popliteal arteries.
  • Occlusion of the peroneal and anterior tibial arteries.
  • The posterior tibial artery reconstituted distally via collaterals from the profunda femoral artery, without direct inline flow.

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • The visualization provided necessary insights into the extent and specific locations of arterial occlusions.
  • These findings will aid in planning appropriate therapeutic interventions or further endovascular procedures to manage the patient's condition.