Factors of Maximum Walking Distance after Lower Limb Revascularization of Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease

[Purpose] We studied factors affecting maximum walking distance (MWD) after lower limb revascularization of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). [Subjects] Ten patients with PAD (3 patients received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and 7 patients received lower limb bypass surgery). [Methods] We measured the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), ABPI recovery time, MWD and symptoms at the time of termination of walking before and after surgery. [Results] ABPI and ABPI recovery time improved significantly after the operation, but MWD didn t. Symptoms at the time of termination of walking were leg pain in all patients before surgery, but getting out of breath was on the increase after surgery. [Conclusion] It is possible that MWD after revascularization was affected by circulation of the lower limbs, cardiac pulmonary and lower limb muscle functions and various other factors.