Multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with peripheral arterial disease

Abstract

Craig M Walker,1,2 Frank T Bunch,3 Nick G Cavros,4 Eric J Dippel5 1Cardiovascular Institute of the South, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 2Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 3Cardiology Associates, Mobile, AL, 4Cardiovascular Institute of the South, Lafayette General Medical Center, Lafayette, LA, 5Cardiovascular Medicine, PC Genesis Heart Institute, Davenport, IA, USA Abstract: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is frequently diagnosed after permanent damage has occurred, resulting in a high rate of morbidity, amputation, and loss of life. Early and ongoing diagnosis and treatment is required for this progressive disease. Lifestyle modifications can prevent or delay disease progression and improve symptoms. Limb-sparing endovascular interventions can restore circulation based on appropriate diagnostic testing to pinpoint vascular targets, and intervention must occur as early as possible to ensure optimal clinical outcomes. An algorithm for the diagnosis and management of PAD was developed to enable a collaborative approach between the family practice and primary care physician or internist and various specialists that may include a diabetologist, endocrinologist, smoking cessation expert, hypertension and lipid specialist, endovascular interventionalist, vascular surgeon, orthopedist, neurologist, nurse practitioner, podiatrist, wound healing expert, and/or others. A multidisciplinary team working together has the greatest chance of providing optimal care for the patient with PAD and ensuring ongoing surveillance of the patient’s overall health, ultimately resulting in better quality of life and increased longevity for patients with PAD. Keywords: peripheral arterial disease, diagnosis, endovascular intervention

Keywords

• peripheral arterial disease
• diagnosis
• endovascular intervention
• peripheral vascular