“This comprehensive guide is dedicated to the essential principles of arterial, venous, and wound care, as well as the multidisciplinary approaches needed to prevent major amputations and manage patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). The growing importance of limb preservation has been underscored by rapid advancements in endovascular techniques, medical equipment, multidisciplinary wound care, and other therapeutic options.
Many of the patients who stand to benefit from these advancements have CLTI, a primarily chronic arterial disease with mortality rates surpassing most cancers and cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, complex venous issues also contribute significantly to limb loss, inflicting substantial morbidity on patients and incurring considerable costs for the healthcare system. Often, these patients contend with co-morbidities like diabetes, kidney problems, and hypertension. Nevertheless, recent advancements in the treatment of CLTI and complex venous diseases have led to a decrease in major amputations, mitigating the alarmingly high mortality rates associated with such procedures. Unfortunately, the knowledge regarding the various approaches, techniques, and management strategies for these patients has been disseminated rather slowly.
Structured as a comprehensive journey through the realm of limb preservation, this book commences with an exploration of the fundamental aspects of wound care. This involves the initiation of wound care management, accurate diagnosis of potential underlying processes through non-invasive imaging, and the provision of clinical pearls and detailed guidance on arterial, venous, and lymphatic therapies. Subsequent chapters delve into arterial and venous treatment algorithms, encompassing unique and complex approaches, technique recommendations, infection and complication management, and future treatment options. Understanding newer strategies like deep vein arterialization and hybrid surgical techniques is essential. The book concludes with discussions on post-procedural wound evaluation, long-term care, determinants for re-intervention/surgery or amputation (and the appropriate type of amputation), and effective medication management for complex patients, including considerations such as antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation, diabetes management, and nutrition. The diverse array of chapters is written by a multidisciplinary group of experts, all committed to the common goal of limb preservation.
This guide is a valuable resource for endovascular specialists, surgeons, podiatrists, infectious disease specialists, endocrinologists, and all healthcare professionals aiming to enhance the prospects of limb preservation for patients with CLTI and related conditions.”
