Intervene before CLI threatens limbs
The goals of treating peripheral artery disease (PAD) are to manage symptoms and slow down the progression to critical limb ischemia (CLI). Lifestyle changes such as weight loss or smoking cessation may help prevent disease progression. Prescription medications may also help manage symptoms. But in many cases, bypass surgery or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without a stent is necessary to restore blood flow in order to prevent amputation.
The primary goal of treating CLI is to relieve ischemic rest pain, heal ulcers or gangrene, and prevent limb loss (amputation) by restoring at least one unobstructed line of blood flow to the foot. But due to the many challenges in treating these patients (multi-vessel disease, calcium, small vessel diameter, etc.), there are few treatment options available today.