Techniques with effect on the sympathetic nerve system, sympathetic block or sympathectomy increase blood flow, mainly due to opening of arteriovenous shunts and without any increase of nutritional blood flow. However, some patients may benefit in terms of reduced pain.
Little evidence exists but a review from 1985 concluded that sympathectomy could be beneficial in patients with rest pain and pregangrene. It is, however, most unlikely that diabetic patients can respond as they usually have a reduced sympathetic tone in the ischemic leg.
Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe / 2007
Clinical Practice in Interventional Radiology, Volume I,