title: Trends in revascularization of the lower extremity.
abstract: Several trends are evident in revascularization of the lower extremity. Currently, few patients with severe leg ischemia undergo amputation without prior surgical or angioplasty attempts at revascularization. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty and thrombolytic therapy have had a definite but limited influence on the treatment of all patients with lower-limb arterial disease. Although pentoxifylline, a hemorrheologic agent, is being widely used, it has not changed the need for surgical intervention in patients with severe arterial disease. In the aggressive approach to save legs with severe popliteal-tibial disease, the use of femorotibial grafts is increasing. In situ saphenous vein grafting is becoming the operation of choice for infrapopliteal occlusive disease. For most patients with severe lower-extremity arterial occlusive disease, a properly selected and conducted operation remains the safest and most durable treatment.
mesh_terms: D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013382:Subtraction Technique; D013977:Tibia / Q000098:blood supply; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D010431:Pentoxifylline