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Preventing Major Amputations in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia

  • Peripheral Vascular Disease (CJ Cooper and R Gupta, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes the risks of lower extremity amputation associated with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and discusses current therapies that can prevent amputation in CLI.

Recent Findings

CLI remains an under-recognized condition associated with high rates of major amputation and disparities in care. Optimal medical therapy can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular and limb events, but revascularization combined with close wound care remains the cornerstone of amputation prevention. Endovascular revascularization has become more common over time and has been associated with a reduction in amputation rates. Ongoing clinical trials will help inform best practices for revascularization strategies and techniques.

Summary

Vascular care is inconsistent across the USA, with significant variation in access to care revascularization rates and rates of major amputation. Major amputation can be prevented in patients with CLI when optimal medical therapy, lifestyle modification, and revascularization are provided in a multidisciplinary setting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA

    Eric W. Rudofker, Shea E. Hogan & Ehrin J. Armstrong

  2. Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO, USA

    Shea E. Hogan

  3. Veterans Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, CO, USA

    Ehrin J. Armstrong

  4. Denver VA Medical Center, 1055 Clermont Street, Denver, CO, 80220, USA

    Ehrin J. Armstrong

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  1. Eric W. Rudofker
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  2. Shea E. Hogan
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Correspondence to Ehrin J. Armstrong.

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Eric W. Rudofker and Shea E. Hogan declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ehrin J. Armstrong reports being a consultant for Abbott Vascular, Boston Scientific, Cardiovascular Systems, Medtronic, and Philips.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Peripheral Vascular Disease

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Rudofker, E.W., Hogan, S.E. & Armstrong, E.J. Preventing Major Amputations in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia. Curr Cardiol Rep 20, 74 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-018-1019-2

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