Laser Atherectomy Versus Angioplasty for the Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia

People with peripheral artery disease that has severely reduced blood flow in their lower leg
are usually treated with surgical bypass. This condition is known as Critical Limb Ischemia
or CLI. Over the last decade, advances in techniques and tools have allowed surgeons to more
aggressively treat complex cases. Studies have shown successful treatment of CLI with
endovascular techniques (less invasive surgical procedures through a small incision for the
treatment of vascular disease), including laser atherectomy and angioplasty. Surgical
guidelines are not clear as to the best procedure to use for CLI. To the best of our
knowledge, a study comparing laser atherectomy and angioplasty has not been done. Laser
atherectomy works by releasing ultraviolet light which is absorbed by the plaque in the
arteries. This will then get rid of the plaque. Angioplasty is a procedure used to open
blocked or narrowed arteries. Currently, it is not known if laser atherectomy has better
results than angioplasty.

Inclusion Criteria:

- 18 years of age and older

- Male or female (non-pregnant females)

- Patients with peripheral artery disease that has progressed to critical limb ischemia
(CLI)

- Patients undergoing angiography with possible intervention for Rutherford Class 4-6
limb ischemia that may benefit from revascularization