What do I need to know about amputation?

If you have been told by a health care professional that you are at risk for amputationTo surgically remove all or part of a limb (leg, foot or toe) or that you need an amputation due to 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. (PADPeripheral Artery Disease, a potentially life threatening disease where plaque, like calcium, builds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.), you might wonder if there are other options available to you.

Learn More About PAD

Peripheral arteryArteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body. disease (PAD) affects 20 million Americans.¹ Knowing the signs and risk factors help with early detection. This may help broaden treatment options which range from non-invasive to invasive.

Make informed decisions and have open conversations with your physician and get a second opinion if amputation is recommended.

Find a PAD Specialist

Find a doctor – If you’re looking for a second opinion, we recommend that you talk to a PAD specialist. Click the button to find a PAD specialist near you.

What you should know:

Left untreated, PAD can lead to amputation
More than 160,000 amputations are performed annually due to PAD³
Amputation is often recommended before other treatment options are attempted to save the limb³

Ask your doctor if there is a limb salvage programA hospital-based, physician-led, comprehensive program in which health care providers coordinate your care among the multiple specialties involved with the goal of saving your legs, feet or toes from amputation. available. If your doctor or hospital doesn’t have a limb salvage program or doesn’t offer revascularizationThe restoration of the blood circulation to an organ or area, achieved by unblocking obstructed or disrupted blood vessels or by surgically implanting replacements. procedures, you might want to consult a PAD specialist. Not all physicians are PAD specialists. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion.