title: Contemporary treatment for critical ischemia: the evidence for interventional radiology or surgery.
abstract: This article is a review of the evidence regarding the management of patients with critical limb ischemia. The aim of the study is to discuss the definition, incidence, and clinical importance of critical limb ischemia, as well as the aims of treatment in terms of quality of life and limb salvage. Endovascular and surgical treatments should not be viewed as competing therapies. In fact, these are complementary techniques each with strengths and weaknesses. The authors will propose a strategy based on the available evidence for deciding the optimal approach to management of patients with critical limb ischemia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Western Infirmary of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hussey
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Western Infirmary of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sivanathan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chandramohan
keywords: critical limb ischemia; interventional radiology; peripheral arterial disease; surgery