Dr. Nguyen Duc Nghia, a specialist at the Thoracic-Vascular Surgery Center, Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, reported that Ms. Minh suffered from narrowing and blockage of arteries below the knee. This condition, often developing over many years unnoticed in older adults, stems from atherosclerosis. When the limb lacks sufficient blood supply, tissue resistance weakens, creating an environment for bacterial growth. This can lead to pus formation and infection spreading to nearby tissues. Patients then face the risk of partial or complete limb amputation, and potentially life-threatening sepsis.

The medical team performed an endovascular intervention using a specialized catheter. Guided by the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system, Dr. Nghia inserted the catheter into the artery to the blocked area. He then used a specialized balloon to inflate the vessel, breaking up atherosclerotic plaques and restoring blood flow to the foot. Immediately following the procedure, the patient's foot regained warmth, and pulses became stable.

Dr. Nghia (center) and the surgical team amputate the necrotic toes for the patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Subsequently, the team proceeded with surgery to amputate the middle and little toes. This removed the source of infection, preventing the gangrene from spreading further into the foot and averting dangerous complications such as sepsis.

Following the surgery, Ms. Minh no longer experienced foot pain, her health stabilized, and she was discharged from the hospital. The patient must adhere to her follow-up appointments and a long-term antibiotic regimen to prevent dangerous complications.

Dr. Nghia changes the patient's dressing after surgery. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Nghia advises patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as intermittent claudication (pain during activity that subsides with rest), one foot feeling colder than the other, or toes turning bluish-purple. These are characteristic signs of peripheral atherosclerosis, which requires early intervention.

Bao Anh

*Patient's name has been changed.