The role of endovascular therapy in the treatment of critical limb ischemia.
The article deals with advantages and unsolved problems of endovascular treatment in patients with lower limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This is accompanied by a brief excursion into historical domain, pointing out a staggering increase in the number of endovascular interventions. At the same time, it is noted that the strength of the evidence-based data contained in the currently available literature supporting long-term efficacy of endovascular therapy for lower extremity occlusive disease is weak, and hence there are no undisputable advantages of this therapeutic modality over open surgical interventions. In conclusion, it is underlined that the choice of therapy offered to a given patient should be individualized to each encountered clinical situation, taking into account the well-known benefits and shortcomings of both treatment strategies.
Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA.
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Menard
D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D023821:Limb Salvage / Q000379:methods; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015607:Stents