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Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI)

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a serious condition in which there is inadequate blood flow and oxygen to a specific part of the body. It can occur anywhere blood flows including the limbs, heart, brain, or intestines. It is generally caused by a narrowing or blockage of an artery. Ischemia is serious form of peripheral artery disease that can cause tissue damage gangrene, ulcers & limb loss. CLI requires appropriate medical attention and will not improve on its own.

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) foot illustration
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) illustration

Click on image to expand.

What are the symptoms of critical limb ischemia (CLI)?

The most common symptoms of CLI is called ischemia rest pain (severe pains in the lower limbs while a person is not moving0 and/or non-healing sores in the legs or feet.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

  • Pain or numbness in the feet
  • Shiny, smooth, dry skin of the legs or feet
  • Thickening of the toenails
  • Absent or diminished pulse in the legs or feet
  • Open sores, skin infections or ulcers that will not heal
  • Dry gangrene (dry, black skin) of the legs or feet

Primary risk factors of CLI:

Risk factors are similar to atherosclerosis which includes smoking, aging, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, diabetes and a family history of vascular disorders: atherosclerosis and/or claudication. 

 

Schedule a personalized assessment and find out your treatment options.

Dr. Moinakhtar Lala and Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi of CACVI

Dr. M Lala, Dr. Mehran J. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala

Meet Your Specialists


The Center for Advanced Cardiac and Vascular Interventions (CACVI) is led by Dr. M Lala, Dr. Khorsandi and Dr. V Lala, who have over thirty years of practice with over 15,000 successful vascular and cardiac procedures performed. Our physicians are determined to provide each patient with unparalleled expertise and compassionate care as they work diligently to improve your health.

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