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Patient Education

Progression of Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.)

Critical Limb Ischemia
Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) is chronically impaired blood flow to an affected limb. Multiple factors contribute to CLI, including diabetes and severe low cardiac output. Persons with CLI often have limb pain even when resting.

Persons with CLI may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular ischemic events. If persons with CLI do not undergo some form of revascularization, they may need amputation within 6 months.

Acute Limb Ischemia
Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI) occurs when the blood flow to an extremity is cut off suddenly. This happens when a clot forms in the blood vessel or when one travels there from another location. ALI requires immediate evaluation and treatment.

Amputation
If Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) has progressed beyond claudication, the person may develop an infection. If a large blockage occurs, the person could develop gangrene, which is death of bodily tissue from lack of blood supply. When a larger portion of the lower leg is affected, or if there is a serious infection or advancing gangrene, the foot or part of the leg may need to be removed. With more serious disease progression, a below-the-knee amputation (BKA) or above-the-knee amputation (AKA) may become necessary.