Bill doesn’t get around much these days

He knows the lingering wound on his foot can’t be good, but he’s ignored it — until now. He can hardly walk let alone get his work done. Bill doesn’t realize the wound on his foot is a result of a very serious form of peripheral artery diseasePeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to your head, organs, and limbs. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. (PAD), called critical limb ischemia. (This condition is also referred to as chronic limb threatening ischemiaAlso referred to as critical limb ischemia (CLI), the most severe and deadly form of peripheral artery disease..)

The arteries in his legs have narrowed and hardened, limiting blood flow to his legs and feet and impeding his body’s ability to heal. If left untreated, things can get rapidly worse, including the possibility that his disease could lead to having his leg amputated.⁹

But amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) might not be the only solution for Bill. People with advanced stages of PAD are at risk for amputation but do have treatment options — such as endovascularThis means “inside blood vessels.” To perform endovascular procedures, surgeons use special technologies and instruments. These procedures require only a small incision or puncture in an artery or vein. procedures.¹² Plus, saving toes, feet and legs in PAD patients has been shown to improve survival rates.¹⁷

For Bill, that could mean getting his life back. Does this sound familiar? If you have a wound that won’t heal, learn more about other symptoms of PAD and share your concerns with a health care professional.

Bill is not an actual patient. His story is intended to represent part of the population with PAD. Symptoms, treatment options and outcomes may vary.