CA
A 38-year-old member asked:
Do you have to amputate your legs if you have untreated peripheral arterial disease?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Oliver Aalamianswered
Vascular Surgery 25 years experience
Depends: Pvd alone does not mandate a leg amputation. Only if people have severe advanced peripheral vascular disease manifesting itself with "wet" infected gangrene, rapidly progressing foot infection, a large non-healing wound, or a non-viable limb would be considered for an amputation. Medical treatment of PVD as well as surgical revascularization can help prevent progression to the above states.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Matt Malkinanswered
Anesthesiology 18 years experience
Possibility: If tissue dies or severely infected, amputation can be life-saving. In completely uncontrolled pad, it is very, very common, especially if uncontrolled diabetes and tobacco use. To treat, stop smoking, control diabetes. May be given blood thinners or blood vessel dilators. Artery bypass may be also recommended. See a vascular surgeon for treatment options.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Koronaanswered
Radiology - Interventional 35 years experience
Usually no: Need to be imaged with cta to see extent of disease. With this info doctor will do stents or other devices to open vessel or bypass blocked section.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 44-year-old member asked:
Does peripheral arterial disease always start in the legs?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Vance Harrisanswered
Family Medicine 36 years experience
PDA: It is more common to occur in the legs than it is in the arm but you can also get narrowing and arterial disease that feeds the arteries to the arm. Disease in the heart which can cause heart attacks or in the brain which can cause strokes coming from the neck can also occur. We refer to peripheral artery disease as that affecting the legs and the arms. The legs are much more common.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jan 27, 2017
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