NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 4 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 3 cohort studies and 1 case series. It is presented in the summary of key evidence section in the interventional procedures overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.
The professional experts and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be: limb salvage, pain relief and improvement in quality of life.
The professional experts and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: mortality, need for major amputation, pain, bleeding and infection.
Patient commentary was sought but none was received.
The committee noted that this procedure is only used for people with no other treatment options for arterial reconstruction.
The committee noted that the primary aims of this procedure are to reduce ischaemic limb pain and limb salvage, rather than the restoration of limb function.
The committee noted there was little published literature on this procedure and would encourage clinicians to publish their experience of this procedure including case series.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-4694-5