According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 500 Americans lose a limb each day. While trauma or cancer are sometimes the cause of limb loss, most patients at the Premier Surgical Limb Preservation Center in Knoxville are at risk of losing a limb typically due to diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (“PAD”), or critical limb ischemia (“CLI”), which is a severe complication of peripheral arterial disease and may lead to limb loss if left untreated.
It’s estimated that 65% of amputations are preventable through early detection and rapid treatment. The Vascular Intervention Team at the Premier Surgical Limb Preservation Clinic in Knoxville believes successful prevention lies in early referral, rapid restoration of blood flow, and proper ongoing care.
Symptoms of PAD or CLI may include:
- sores on the toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
- severe pain in the feet or toes
- leg numbness or weakness
- a change in the color of the legs
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, talk to your physician and request a referral to Premier Surgical Limb Preservation Center. Our vascular experts will work to secure immediate, same-day evaluation to properly diagnose your condition.
The most critical aspect to preserving a limb is to restore blood flow as soon as possible. This may require opening blockages and removing plaque in the vascular system, which can be achieved through procedures such as balloon angioplasty, stents, atherectomy, and bypasses.
Once the immediate concern of restoring blood flow is resolved, the attention turns to ensure the blood flow does not become restricted again. Your Premier Vascular physician will instruct you on the best treatment practices for on-going care, such as healing chronic wounds, and preventing future occurrences.
“A multi-disciplinary approach is paramount to meeting our goal of limb preservation,” explains Premier vascular surgeon C. Scott Callicutt, MD, FACS. “We have established a network of specialists to assist us in delivering efficient, quality care defined by the ultimate prevention of limb loss in CLI patients.”
The physicians and staff of Premier Surgical Limb Preservation Clinic, conveniently located on Papermill Drive in Knoxville, are dedicated to earning your trust through our demonstrated vascular expertise. We are committed to saving limbs and saving lives. Learn more about Premier Surgical on our website.