Angiography, Angioplasty & Stenting for Diabetic Foot

 
People with diabetes commonly develop peripheral arterial disease (PAD), where narrowed or blocked leg arteries reduce blood flow to the feet. This poor circulation leads to non-healing ulcers, infection, gangrene, and can ultimately cause amputation if untreated.

Angiography, angioplasty, and stenting are minimally invasive endovascular procedures performed by an Interventional Radiologist to restore blood flow, promote wound healing, relieve pain, and save the limb.

1) Angiography (Diagnostic Step)

What it is: An X-ray test using contrast dye to map leg arteries (femoral, popliteal, tibial/peroneal).
Purpose:

  • Identify site, length, and severity of blockages

  • Plan targeted treatment (angioplasty ± stent)

How it’s done: A small puncture (usually groin or wrist) → catheter to leg arteries → contrast injection → live imaging.

2) Angioplasty (Treatment Step)

What it is: A tiny balloon is inflated inside the narrowed artery to open it.
Benefits:

  • Improves blood flow to foot and toes

  • Reduces rest pain

  • Accelerates ulcer healing

  • Minimizes need for open surgery

Where it’s used:

  • Thigh (femoral)

  • Knee level (popliteal)

  • Below-knee arteries (tibial/peroneal)—critical for diabetic foot ulcers

3) Stenting (When Needed)

What it is: A metal mesh stent placed to keep the artery open if:

  • There is elastic recoil after ballooning

  • A long or complex narrowing exists

  • There is a dissection (tear) after angioplasty

Types: Bare-metal, drug-eluting (case-dependent).

Who Should Consider This?

  • Diabetics with non-healing foot ulcers/wounds

  • Rest pain or night pain in foot

  • Gangrene or blackened toes

  • Reduced pulses or abnormal Doppler/ABI

  • High surgical risk patients

Advantages

  • Minimally invasive (no large cuts)

  • Local anesthesia, short procedure time

  • Short hospital stay (often same/next day)

  • Limb-salvaging, amputation-preventing

  • Can be repeated if disease progresses

Risks (Generally Low)

  • Bleeding or hematoma at puncture site

  • Contrast allergy or kidney strain (precautions taken)

  • Re-narrowing (restenosis) over time

  • Rare vessel injury or clot

Preparation

  • Blood tests (renal function, coagulation)

  • Fasting 6–8 hours

  • Continue/adjust diabetes & blood-thinner meds as advised

  • Hydration before/after (kidney protection)

Aftercare & Recovery

  • Bed rest for a few hours

  • Start antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin ± clopidogrel)

  • Strict diabetes control, wound care, smoking cessation

  • Foot care & regular follow-up Doppler/clinical checks

Outcomes

  • High technical success

  • Significant improvement in pain, wound healing, walking distance

  • Reduced amputation rates when done early and combined with good foot care

Book an Appointment / Consultation

If you have been advised for aspiration, drainage, or biopsy—our expert interventional radiology team can provide safe, accurate, and minimally invasive treatment options.

📞 Contact / WhatsApp: 0370-7353445 , 0326-4053417 , 0323-0825571

📍 Clinic Location:

Farooq Hospital :

Avenue Mall, Main Ghazi Rd, DHA, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Mian Muree Expressway, Bahria Golf City Rawalpindi.

🕒 Appointment Timings: 24/7