Limb Salvage Specialist
LA Vascular Specialists
Vascular Specialists located in Beverly Hills, CA & Encino, CA
About 12% of American adults are living with chronic limb ischemia (CLI), an advanced form of peripheral arterial disease. Without prompt intervention and treatment like limb salvage, CLI increases the risk of infection, tissue death, and amputation. At LA Vascular Specialists, with locations in the Beverly Hills, Glendale, and Encino communities of Los Angeles, California, Ramtin Massoudi, MD, and the team of board-certified doctors provide advanced limb salvage techniques to help people suffering from CLI. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or book online today.
What is limb salvage?
Limb salvage refers to several different treatments designed to increase blood flow to a leg affected by chronic limb ischemia (CLI). When left untreated, CLI causes chronic pain, arterial insufficiency ulcers, and gangrene.
Restoring circulation to your lower extremities can minimize pain and improve your mobility. In addition, it significantly lowers the risk of amputation.
Are there different types of limb salvage treatment?
At LA Vascular Specialists, the team offers several types of limb salvage treatment, including:
Minimally invasive angioplasty
Minimally invasive angioplasty is an outpatient procedure that opens a clogged or severely damaged artery. During treatment, your surgeon makes a small incision near your groin. They insert a tiny balloon through the wound and fill it with a medical-grade saline solution. As the balloon fills, your artery expands, allowing for healthy circulation.
Atherectomy
Atherectomy typically requires an overnight hospital stay. This type of limb salvage treatment uses special surgical tools, like a laser or a catheter with a rotating blade, to vaporize or remove microscopic pieces of plaque in your arteries.
Stent placement
A stent is a small metal or plastic tube that your surgeon inserts into a damaged or clogged artery. Once positioned, the stent holds your artery open, allowing for healthy circulation.
What type of limb salvage treatment might benefit me?
The type of limb salvage treatment that most benefits you depends on your age, medical history, and severity of your symptoms. At your initial consultation, the team conducts a comprehensive exam and asks various questions, including how often you exercise, if you smoke, and if you have a family history of atherosclerosis.
After gathering this information and conducting a series of laboratory and diagnostic imaging tests, the team can make recommendations that align with your needs.
Whenever possible, they recommend minimally invasive techniques like “primary pedal” and limb-saving deep vein vascularization procedures. These methods of care significantly reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery following angioplasty or stent placement.
What happens following limb salvage treatment?
Following limb salvage treatment, it’s important to make healthy lifestyle changes that promote circulation. The team at LA Vascular Specialists recommends eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, quitting smoking, and exercising for at least 30 minutes a day.
You might also benefit from stress management activities like yoga and meditation or prescription medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
To learn more about limb salvage, request a consultation at LA Vascular Specialists. Book an appointment online or call the nearest office to speak with a team member today.
