Abstract
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a debilitating end stage of advanced peripheral vascular disease. Treating CLI, particularly in the diabetic patient, is a multifaceted process that requires an experienced team of providers. The CLI model employs practitioners from interventional cardiology, vascular surgery, wound care, endocrinology, nephrology, internal medicine, and podiatry. The main treatment goal is to improve quality of life and reduce the number of limb amputations and the subsequent complications. Often, multiple endovascular procedures are needed to restore perfusion to the lower leg and foot to prevent limb loss. The overall health care savings are significant if limb loss is avoided despite requiring multiple procedures. The number of patients, particularly diabetics, who will need this advanced level of care is only expected to rise.
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