Critical limb ischemia: current approach and future directions

J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2014 Jun;7(4):437-45. doi: 10.1007/s12265-014-9562-8. Epub 2014 May 15.

Abstract

Patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) represent the highest risk patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), with high rates of death, amputation, and other cardiovascular events. Previously, nonsurgical options for patients with CLI were limited. However, advances in endovascular techniques such as angiosome-based revascularization and technologies such as drug-eluting balloon and stent platforms have dramatically improved the therapeutic outlook. Additionally, advances in stem cell-based therapy and angiogenic factors show promise as adjuvant medical therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Critical Illness
  • Drug-Eluting Stents
  • Endovascular Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Endovascular Procedures* / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / diagnosis
  • Ischemia / physiopathology
  • Ischemia / therapy*
  • Lower Extremity / blood supply*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / therapy*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Access Devices