Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) happens when there is a severe buildup of plaque in your arteries (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow to your hands, feet and legs. It is the advanced for of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD is a circulatory condition caused when narrowed arteries decrease the amount of blood flow to your limbs. Left untreated, 50% of patients with CLI will undergo an amputation or die within the first year.
Approximately 11% of patients with PAD suffer from CLI
While patients with less severe forms of PAD can experience few or even no symptoms from a narrowing of the arteries, signs of CLI often include sores or skin ulcers. What's more, CLI can cause leg pain so severe it can wake you up at night.
CLI is an under diagnosed disease that will not improve on its own. The team at Ochsner provides cutting-edge treatment for CLI, and is dedicated to educating our community about the risks and symptoms of this serious condition.