Interventional Treatment of the Chronic Ischemic Syndromes of the Lower Extremity

Chronic lower extremity ischemia affects millions worldwide. These numbers are expected to even be higher in the future due to the rise in atherosclerotic risk factors. Because of this, it is important that physicians are able to identify at-risk patients and effectively evaluate and treat them before their disease progresses to irreversible ischemia with possible loss of limb tissue or limb function. Successfully evaluating patients with chronic ischemic syndromes is just one piece, however. There are several different treatment strategies available to combat this chronic progressive disease, including medical therapies, minimally invasive interventional techniques, and open surgery. Treatment often is based on etiology of patient disease as well as patient symptoms and progression of patient disease. The aim of this chapter is to aid physicians in effectively navigating through the care of patients with chronic ischemic syndromes leading to a decrease in morbidity and overall improvement in quality of life.