Limb Salvage in Arizona
Blockages in the arteries due to Arterial insufficiency, diabetic arterial disease, peripheral arterial disease, as well as venous hypertension, and venous pressure can cause nonhealing wounds which lead to amputations. Limb salvage is a technique done by Vascular Surgeons to re-supply or revascularize the supply of blood to the affected limb if needed all the way down to the toes allowing the wounds to heal and the individual to keep the limb.
The board-certified vascular surgeons in Phoenix, Mesa, and Payson at Western Vascular are certified wound care specialists as well and can provide the best treatment options available for wound care and Limb Salvage. Western Vascular Institute’s three conveniently located vein and vascular clinics in Phoenix, Mesa and Payson, AZ, house the most advanced & innovative surgery centers & diagnostic imaging capabilities for our valued patients. We will help discover the best treatment plan for you and your lifestyle. For more information, schedule an appointment with one of our vascular surgeons, at our vein and vascular center in Arizona.
What is Limb Salvage?
Introduced by Western Vascular Institute over 20 years ago, limb salvage of the leg, foot, & ankle is a term used to describe the type of procedure that our wound & Vascular board-certified surgeons are able to provide to save a patients leg from amputation due to peripheral artery disease, diabetes & many other conditions.
In this procedure, our surgeons, because of their unparalleled training & skill level, are able to open arteries through endovascular catheters all the way down to the toes. This allows for blood flow to reach all the way to the tips of the toes, which helps patients improve their mobility & ability to heal wounds as well as saving or “salvaging” their limbs from amputation.
How are Blockages Diagnosed?
Ankle Brachial Index or ABI test and other Doppler and Duplex ultrasound scans. These tests will assess the flow of blood to the limb and the state of the blockage.
What Treatment Options Are Recommended to Salvage Limbs?
There are several appropriate treatment techniques to help salvage limbs that have been affected by a lack of blood supply. Your vascular Surgeon will recommend Lifestyle modifications including exercise and healthy eating, medication management, as well as the below surgical techniques.
Open Surgical Bypass Technique
Bypass surgeries are performed on affected arteries leading to the limbs which have for one reason or another become narrowed or occluded and have stopped supplying the adequate amount of blood to the limb. In this surgery, a human vein or artificial graft is placed in the blocked vessel area allowing the blood to freely flow to the affected limb.
Endovascular Technique
An angioplasty and stent technique is performed to open the vessel wall and maintain an adequate diameter for the proper amount of blood to flow through and adequately supply oxygen-rich blood to the limbs. Our surgeons perform vascular intervention both above and below the knee all the way down to the toes to allow for the maximum amount of blood flow to the affected limb.
What Are The Risks of Surgery?
While both open surgical bypass and endovascular techniques effectively restore blood flow to the limbs, it’s essential to recognize that every surgical procedure entails specific risks. Here are potential risks linked to these vascular treatments:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood Clots
- Graft or Stent Issues
- Allergic Reactions
- Nerve Damage
- Scar Tissue
- Anesthesia Risks
Schedule an Appointment Limb Salvage in Phoenix, Arizona
If you have been experiencing symptoms of limb salvage it is important that you schedule an appointment with one of our highly-trained vascular surgeons. They will diagnose your symptoms and discover the best treatment option for you. For more information about our Vascular Surgery Center in Phoenix, AZ, please call (480) 668-5000 to schedule your appointment today.