How is critical limb ischemia treated?

How is critical limb ischemia treated?

Critical limb ischemia requires prompt treatment. Restoring proper blood flow to your hands and feet can help reduce the chances that you’ll need an amputation. Your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Medications to prevent clots, reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
• Endovascular treatments (minimally invasive), such as angioplasty (placing a stent) to open blocked arteries or atherectomy to remove plaque buildup.
• Surgery to repair or replace an artery either using one of your own veins or a synthetic replacement.

If none of these treatments adequately restore blood flow, your healthcare provider may need to remove part of your finger, hand, toe, foot or leg. About 1 in 5 people with critical limb ischemia eventually need an amputation. People with diabetes are much more likely to need an amputation.