Current review with evolving management strategies in critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia represents the end stage of peripheral artery disease, which is associated with impaired quality of life and considerable morbidity and mortality. Economical impact of the disease is huge with a substantial burden on patients, healthcare providers, and resources. Varied therapeutic strategies have been employed in the management of these patients. These patients usually have complex multilevel occlusive arteriopathy with significant comorbidities, rendering surgical interventions undesirable in many cases. Recent therapeutic advances with evolving endovascular techniques and gene or cell-based therapies have the potential to dramatically change the therapeutic outlook in these patients.