An endovascular technique for converting veins to arteries being trialled in the US has shown promise, with doctors reporting it can prevent major amputation in adults with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia and no other revascularisation options.

Overall, two-thirds of eligible patients who underwent the novel procedure reported amputation-free survival at six months, according to their study findings.

The minimally-invasive approach — called transcatheter arterialisation — diverts arterial blood in the leg away from plaque blockage to downstream deep veins to provide oxygenated blood to ischaemic tissues (see below).

The PROMISE II investigators say it provides the possibility of treatment for those with ‘no-option’ chronic limb-threatening ischaemia who previously were consigned to primary above-ankle amputation.