Infrapopliteal Artery Occlusive Disease: An Overview of Vessel Preparation and Treatment Options

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is defined as chronic rest pain and/or the presence of tissue loss (ulcers or gangrene) in the lower extremities secondary to ischemia. CLI is a limb and potentially life-threatening disease associated with a poor prognosis with only 50% of patients being able to preserve both limbs within 12 months of diagnosis. CLI related to diabetes is often more extensive with multi-level long segmental arterial disease resulting in a 5–30-fold increased rate of amputation. As the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus increases within our aging society, the rate of infrapopliteal artery occlusive disease (IPOD) and the need for intervention rises with it. The aim of this manuscript is to provide the reader with an overview of the various devices available for vessel preparation (VP) and treatment of IPOD in order to optimize patency rates, symptom resolution, healing of wounds, and minimize complications.