Diabetic revascularization: endovascular versus open bypass--do we have the answer?

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for peripheral arterial disease and, when advanced peripheral arterial disease develops in the setting of diabetes, it portends a greatly increased threat to both life and limb. The management of severe limb ischemia in diabetic patients, particularly those with tissue loss and infection, remains a major surgical challenge in the new millennium. However, advances in multidisciplinary care, including an aggressive revascularization approach, can avoid major amputation in a large percentage of patients. The unique pattern of lower extremity atherosclerosis in diabetes is a critical determinant of the revascularization strategy. Most diabetics with critical ischemia have popliteal/tibial occlusions requiring below-the-knee intervention or bypass grafting. Bypass surgery with vein to crural or pedal arteries remains the gold standard of revascularization, but may be limited by patient risk, conduit availability, and a suitable target. Infrapopliteal angioplasty can have acceptable results for suitable lesions, particularly when there is not extensive tissue loss in the foot. However, restenosis rates after endovascular intervention in these vessels are high, and recent advances in drug-eluting balloons and stents have promise but remain largely unproven. There is limited high-quality evidence to support treatment choices in this arena, with only one randomized clinical trial to date. The available data suggest that patients with life expectancy of at least 2 years and more extensive disease have superior outcomes with open reconstruction. A selective revascularization strategy is advocated, using autogenous vein bypass as the initial approach in a significant percentage of patients, based on its greater overall efficacy and proven durability. However, endovascular therapies have an important role in current practice, which will increase further if restenosis can be overcome. Vascular specialists should understand and be able to apply both types of interventions to optimize patient outcomes.