Abstract
The number of patients with critical limb ischemia（CLI）has recently increased. The objective of this study was to examine the role of nurses in preventing major amputation for these patients.
Between January 2014 and December 2016, 66 patients underwent bypass surgery for CLI at our hospital. The nursing tasks included foot care examinations, treatment of nails and ulcers, blood flow confirmation, participation in foot care rounds, and skin care. Of 66 patients, 60（91%）avoided major amputation. There were 6 hospital deaths, 43 patients（72%）were discharged to home, and 44（73%）achieved ambulation before discharge.
The activities of nurses in caring for these patients may have aided in limb salvage and their return to society.
