Review

Critical limb ischemia: an update for interventional radiologists

10.4261/1305-3825.DIR.5955-12.1

  • Nicholas F. Brazeau,
  • Erique G. Pinto,
  • Harlan B. Harvey,
  • George R. Oliveira,
  • Benjamin J. Pomerantz,
  • Stephan Wicky,
  • Rahmi Oklu

Received Date: 17.04.2012 Accepted Date: 02.07.2012 Diagn Interv Radiol 2013;19(2):173-180

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a growing epidemic with bleak patient outcomes. A variety of treatment modalities have been adopted to address CLI based on comorbidities, life expectancy, and the nature of the arterial disease. With advances in technology and treatment strategies, the clinical outcomes of CLI patients have significantly improved over recent years. However, despite progress, patency rates of both surgical and endovascular interventions, limb-salvage and amputation rates are still dismal. We review the epidemiology, treatment strategies, imaging modalities, and the microcirculation aspect of CLI.