Critical limb ischemia: an update for interventional radiologists.

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Cardiology
• Radiology

Background:

• Critical limb ischemia (CLI) presents a significant and increasing global health challenge.
• Patient outcomes for CLI remain a concern despite various treatment approaches.
• Advances in technology have improved outcomes, yet challenges persist.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current epidemiology of critical limb ischemia.
• To discuss established and emerging treatment strategies for CLI.
• To explore imaging modalities and the role of microcirculation in CLI management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological data on CLI.
• Analysis of current surgical and endovascular treatment options.
• Examination of diagnostic imaging techniques for CLI.
• Discussion of microvascular aspects relevant to CLI.

Main Results:

• CLI prevalence is rising, impacting patient prognosis.
• Despite improvements, intervention patency and limb salvage rates require further enhancement.
• Microcirculation plays a crucial role in CLI pathophysiology and treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

• CLI necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its epidemiology and pathophysiology.
• Optimizing treatment strategies, including advanced imaging and microcirculation assessment, is key to improving limb salvage rates.
• Continued research is vital to address the persistent dismal outcomes in CLI patients.