title: Optimal use of atherectomy in critical limb ischemia.
abstract: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe and debilitating form of peripheral arterial disease and is associated with high rates of limb loss and cardiovascular mortality. The unique physical environment of tibial occlusive disease underlying most CLI cases limits treatment options and long-term durability, with resulting frequent rates of persistent obstruction, restenosis, and reintervention. Atherectomy represents a potential strategy to improve acute and late results when treating patients with CLI. Available atherectomy devices each have specific performance characteristics, evidentiary rationale, and limitations that mandate a clear understanding of the optimal albeit evolving use of this category of interventional tools.
authors.affiliation: Interventional Institute, Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck, NJ. Electronic address: jrundback@airsllp.com.
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Rundback
authors.affiliation: Interventional Institute, Holy Name Medical Center, Teaneck, NJ.
authors.forename: Kevin Chaim
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Herman
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods; D017073:Atherectomy / Q000379:methods*; D005121:Extremities / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods
keywords: Critical Limb Ischemia; atherectomy; limb salvage; tibial intervention