Vascular Assessment and Reconstruction of the Ischemic Diabetic Limb

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common finding among diabetic patients and is usually secondary to atherosclerosis. PAD in diabetic patients tends to be more malignant, presenting with diffuse involvement and more complications. Unless the ischemia is addressed concomitantly with local problems in the foot, resulting problems can lead to extensive tissue loss and major amputation. Lower extremity atherosclerotic complications in diabetic patients require considerable dedication and aggressiveness if limb loss is to be avoided.