At Vascular Surgery Associates, our leading vascular specialists in Los Angeles and Santa Monica provide expert care for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI), a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) that significantly increases the risk of limb loss. With advanced diagnostic tools and cutting-edge treatments, we focus on restoring blood flow and preventing amputations for patients with severe arterial blockages.
What is Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI)?
CLTI is an advanced stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD) where severely reduced blood flow to the lower limbs causes chronic pain, non-healing wounds, and gangrene. It is a critical medical condition requiring urgent intervention to save the affected limb and improve the patient’s overall health.
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 11% of patients with PAD progress to CLTI, and without proper treatment, up to 50% of CLTI patients face amputation within a year.
Symptoms of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Patients with CLTI may experience:
- Severe pain in the legs or feet even when at rest
- Non-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes
- Gangrene or blackened tissue due to lack of blood supply
- Cold, pale, or discolored skin in the affected limb
- Weakened pulses in the feet and ankles
If left untreated, CLTI can lead to severe infections, disability, and limb amputation.
Risk Factors for CLTI
Several conditions and lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing CLTI, including:
Diabetes
A major contributor to poor circulation and non-healing wounds
Smoking
A leading cause of arterial damage and plaque buildup
High blood pressure and cholesterol
Accelerate arterial narrowing and blockages
Atherosclerosis
Hardening of the arteries that restricts blood flow
Kidney disease
Increases the risk of vascular complications
History of PAD or Vascular Disease
Increases the likelihood of arterial blockages and reduced blood flow
Advanced Diagnosis for CLTI
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we use state-of-the-art imaging and vascular testing to diagnose CLTI, including:
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test
Measures blood pressure differences in the arms and legs to assess circulation
Doppler Ultrasound
Identifies blocked arteries and reduced blood flow
CT and MR Angiography
Provides detailed images of the arteries to locate obstructions
Catheter-Based Angiography
Allows direct visualization of the arteries for treatment planning
Cutting-Edge Treatments for CLTI
Our Los Angeles and Santa Monica vascular specialists offer the most advanced treatments to restore blood flow and prevent amputations:
Angioplasty & Stenting
A minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is used to open blocked arteries, often followed by stent placement to keep the vessel open
Atherectomy
A specialized procedure that removes plaque buildup from arteries to improve blood flow
Bypass Surgery
Creates a new pathway for blood flow using a graft to bypass blocked arteries
Endovascular Therapies
Innovative catheter-based treatments to restore circulation with less pain and faster recovery
Wound Care & Limb Salvage
A multidisciplinary approach that includes wound debridement, infection control, and advanced dressings to prevent amputations
Frequently Asked Questions About CLTI
CLTI is the most severe stage of PAD, where blood flow is critically reduced, leading to chronic pain, non-healing ulcers, and gangrene.
While the damage cannot always be reversed, early intervention with angioplasty, stenting, or bypass surgery can significantly improve blood flow and prevent limb loss.
Without treatment, CLTI can result in serious infections, gangrene, and amputation. Early diagnosis and vascular intervention are critical to saving the limb.
With advanced vascular treatments, up to 80-90% of patients can avoid major amputations, according to recent studies.
Quitting smoking, controlling diabetes, eating a heart-healthy diet, and regular exercise can help improve circulation and prevent disease progression.
Dedicated to Excellence in Vascular Care Since 1963
Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) has established itself as a cornerstone of vascular health in Southern California, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge treatment methods. Founded by visionary surgeons in 1963, our practice has grown from pioneering beginnings into one of the busiest and most respected vascular surgery groups in the Western United States.
Schedule a Consultation for CLTI Treatment in Los Angeles and Santa Monica
If you are experiencing leg pain, non-healing wounds, or signs of CLTI, don’t wait. At Vascular Surgery Associates, our expert vascular surgeons in Los Angeles and Santa Monica specialize in minimally invasive procedures and limb-saving treatments to restore blood flow and improve your quality of life.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.