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 typically at risk of losing a limb due to chronic health issues such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or critical limb ischemia (CLI), which is a severe complication of PAD that may lead to limb loss if left untreated.
It’s estimated that 65% of amputations are preventable through early detection and treatment. The Vascular Intervention Team at the Premier Surgical Limb Preservation Clinic in Knoxville believes successful limb preservation is best achieved through a combination of early detection, quick restoration of blood flow, and attentive ongoing care.
For early detection, it’s helpful to know the signs and symptoms of PAD or CLI. These include:
- Sores on the toes, feet, or legs that won’t heal
- A change in the color of the legs
- Severe pain in the feet or toes
- Leg numbness or weakness
1 — Early Detection and Referral
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.
2 — Restoration of Blood Flow
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 accomplished through procedures such as balloon angioplasty, stents, atherectomy, and bypasses.
3 — Treatment and Prevention
Once the immediate concern of restoring blood flow is resolved, the goal is to ensure that blood flow doesn’t become restricted again. Your Premier vascular physician will instruct you on the best treatment practices for continuous care, such as how to prevent the development of chronic wounds.
In coordination with you referring physician and other specialists, your Premier vascular surgeon will remain involved in your post-procedure assessments to ensure healing and avoid recurrences.
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.