Research by THE SAGE GROUP analyzes the prevalence, characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes of below-the-ankle (BTA) disease, while also exploring the challenges of endovascular revascularization.
BTA (below-the-ankle) disease involves atherosclerotic stenoses or occlusions in foot arteries, including the pedal artery, plantar arteries (common, medial, and lateral), and the plantar arch.
“Despite its high prevalence and poor patient outcomes, BTA disease remains misunderstood and undertreated,” stated Mary L. Yost, President of THE SAGE GROUP.
Yost explained that treating BTA disease is challenging due to small vessel size, vessel tortuosity, medial artery calcification (MAC), thrombus presence, and variations in pedal circulation. Additionally, these vessels are prone to spasm and dissection, and there is a lack of specialized tools for this vascular area.
“There are no guideline recommendations for endovascular revascularization of BTA disease, and experts often disagree on the timing and extent of intervention. Many interventionalists also lack the necessary skills to treat pedal disease,” Yost added.
“Plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) remains the standard of care, but new, more effective endovascular devices are needed,” she noted.
About Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) and BTA Disease
CLI is a multilevel disease involving occlusions in infrapopliteal and pedal arteries. Patients with BTA disease often have below-the-knee involvement, primarily in the tibial, peroneal, and posterior tibial arteries, with isolated BTA disease being rare.
About the Report: “Below-the-Ankle Disease in Peripheral Artery Disease: Characteristics, Consequences, and Prevalence”
This report reviews the prevalence, characteristics, and impact of BTA disease, including data on BTA disease in CLI patients from 2020-2040. It estimates the number of cases involving MAC and thrombus and discusses the U.S. market potential for endovascular treatments during this period.
THE SAGE GROUP is a research and consulting firm specializing in arterial and venous diseases of the lower limbs.
