Current state of affairs in the treatment of infrainguinal critical limb ischemia

Thomas N. Carruthers, MD, And Alik Farber, MD

Section of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA

Atherosclerosis is widespread in Western society and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). Epidemiological studies indicate that peripheral artery disease (PAD) has a prevalence of 3-10% in the general population. This rate increases to 15-20% in persons over 70 years of age, and PAD is particularly common in individuals who smoke or have diabetes.

Further highlighting the lack of current treatment uniformity, the Society for Vascular Surgery has recently designated the goal of clarifying optimal treatment for CLI as one of its top societal priorities.

KEY WORDS: atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), CLI.

P. 133-137

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