Arterial disease of the lower extremity

Abstract

The overwhelming majority of vascular disease of the lower extremities is secondary to atherosclerosis. Depending on the severity of the vascular lesions and the existing collateral circulation, symptoms generally follow a continuum ranging from claudication to rest pain to frank gangrene with tissue loss. A primary goal of the vascular surgeon is the preservation of limb function by risk factor management and appropriate timing of vascular reconstruction. © 2008 Springer New York.