Nonsurgical Treatment for Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia

Abstract

Although immediate revascularization is the first-line treatment to save the life and legs of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, revascularization is not an option for some patients. In such situations, nonsurgical treatment should be administered if possible. Nonsurgical treatments include medications, exercise therapy, low-density lipoprotein apheresis, artificial carbon dioxide foot bathing, intermittent pneumatic compression, spinal cord stimulation, and therapeutic angiogenesis. Importantly, these therapies must be applied to the appropriate patients with the aim to save their life and legs. Close monitoring of these critically ill patients until the end of treatment is also crucial.