Vascular & Endovascular
Limb Preservation & Critical Limb Ischemia
Limb preservation treats critical limb ischemia , severe blockages that threaten toes, feet, or legs. Our team combines vascular intervention with wound care to restore circulation, heal ulcers, and prevent amputation whenever possible.
AVERAGE PROCEDURE TIME
60 to 150 minutes
Anesthesia
Sedation with local
Recovery
Same day, 4 to 6 hours
Ride home
Required if you receive sedation
Overview
Critical limb ischemia is the most advanced form of peripheral artery disease, where blood flow is too low to keep tissue alive. Without treatment it leads to amputation.
Limb preservation combines aggressive revascularization with wound care, offloading, and infection control to restore circulation and heal the foot.
Is this right for me?
Candidacy is confirmed after a review of your history, imaging, and medications. Patients we most often treat include those with:
- Rest pain in the foot or toes, worse when lying down
- Ulcers or gangrene that are not healing
- Prior recommendation for amputation seeking a second opinion
- Diabetes with reduced pulses and foot wounds
What to expect, step by step
Arrival and preparation
You check in with a coordinator, change into a gown, and meet your nurse. Vitals are taken, an IV is started if needed, and your care team reviews the plan and answers questions with your caregiver present.
Full runoff angiogram
Imaging maps circulation all the way to the pedal arch to find every treatable target.
Revascularization
Blockages are treated with atherectomy, balloons, or stents, prioritizing the artery that feeds the wound directly.
Wound plan
Debridement, dressing selection, and offloading are coordinated with your wound care team before you leave.
Recovery suite
You rest in a private recovery bay while your nurse monitors vitals and comfort. Written instructions are reviewed with you and your caregiver before discharge.
Home the same day
A caregiver drives you home. A member of our team calls the next business day to check on you and confirm your follow-up appointment.
Recovery
Wound checks are frequent at first, often weekly, with imaging surveillance every three months.
Healing typically follows restored flow within weeks, provided infection and pressure are controlled.
Risks and what we watch for
Every procedure carries risk. These are the ones we discuss most often for this procedure.
- Bleeding, bruising, or soreness at the access site or incision
- Infection, which is why sterile technique and, when indicated, antibiotics are used
- Reaction to sedation, anesthesia, or contrast dye, monitored continuously by your anesthesia provider
- Incomplete relief of symptoms, or symptoms that return over time
- The need for additional treatment, imaging, or a different procedure
- Rarely, a complication serious enough to require a higher level of care than an outpatient setting provides
We review these with you in detail before you consent, and you can change your mind at any point.
Coverage note
We verify your benefits and give you a written estimate before scheduling.
Prepare for this procedure
- Before your surgery
- The day of your procedure
- Anesthesia and sedation
- Recovery at home and when to call
Frequently asked questions
Can amputation still be avoided?
Often yes. Early revascularization plus disciplined wound care saves limbs that were previously considered untreatable.
How many procedures will I need?
Some patients need staged treatment. The plan is reviewed with you after the first angiogram.
Is limb preservation care done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. It is performed at our ACHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center in The Woodlands, minutes from Tomball and Spring, and patients go home the same day with a caregiver.
Will my insurance cover it?
Coverage depends on your specific plan and benefits. Our team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate before anything is scheduled.
Do you offer Spanish-speaking support?
Yes. Bilingual English and Spanish coordination is available from your first call through recovery instructions and follow-up.
