The effect of Naftidrofuryl (Nafronyl) on the symptoms of severe peripheral vascular disease has been studied in 40 hospital inpatients. Assessment of ischaemic symptoms and of symptoms which may occur with any type of chronic pain was made using a linear analogue system. Patients treated with naftidrofuryl showed a significant symptomatic improvement compared to patients treated without vasoactive drug therapy. These results show that this drug has a useful place in the treatment of severe ischaemic symptoms during assessment for vascular reconstruction and in those patients found to be unsuitable for limb-salvage operations.