Critical Limb Ischemia and Buerger’s Disease Symptoms & Treatment
The human body has a complex highway system of arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When these pathways get clogged up, it can result in a serious problem called ischemia.
Ischemia is a serious condition in which there is inadequate blood flow to a specific part of the body. Blood carries oxygen, which our tissues and organs require in order to stay healthy. Ischemia can occur anywhere in the body that blood flows including, the limbs, heart, brain, or intestines. It is generally caused by a narrowing or blockage of an artery. Ischemia is a severe condition that can cause tissue damage and loss of limbs. This condition will not improve on its own and requires appropriate medical attention.
What is Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) and Buerger’s Disease?
Also known as Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI)
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is an advanced form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and is caused by a severe blockage in the arteries of the lower extremities. PAD is caused by atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of the arteries over time due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaque.
CLI is a chronic condition that results in severe pain in the feet or toes, even while resting. Complications can include sores and wounds on the legs and feet that won’t heal due to the lack of circulating blood (carrying oxygen) which is essential to our body’s healing process. Left untreated, the complications of Critical Limb Ischemia will result in amputation of the affected limb.
Buerger’s disease is a rare disease of the arteries and veins in the arms and legs. In Buerger’s disease — also called thromboangiitis obliterans — your blood vessels become inflamed, swell and can become blocked with blood clots. This eventually damages or destroys skin tissues and may lead to infection and gangrene (the death or decay of body tissues). (1) In some cases, amputation may be required. (2)
What are Buerger’s Disease and Critical Limb Ischemia Signs and Symptoms?
Leg pain:
Severe pain or numbness in the legs and feet while not moving
Leg Temperature:
A noticeable decrease in the temperature of your lower leg or foot compared to the rest of your body
Sores or Ulcers:
Toe or foot sores, infections, or ulcers that will not heal, or heal very slowly
Gangrene
Dry Skin
Shiny, smooth, dry skin in the legs or feet
Thickening of the toenails
Absent Pulse:
Absent or diminished pulse in the legs or feet
What are the available options for Buerger’s Disease and Critical Limb Ischemia Treatment?
Critical limb ischemia and Buerger’s disease is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to re-establish blood-flow to the affected area. The number one priority is to preserve the limb. This may be accomplished several ways:
The Potential of HONEDRAⓇ for the Treatment of Critical Limb Ischemia and Buerger’s Disease
The goal of HONEDRA® (an experimental regenerative medicine) is to prevent the serious adverse consequences of Critical Limb Ischemia and Buerger’s disease by improving blood flow in the affected limb. The Company’s open-label, registration-eligible study of HONEDRA® in Japan for the treatment of CLI and Buerger’s disease is actively enrolling patients and has shown promising results to date.
Health-related information on this page including text, graphics, images, and other material is for educational purposes only and therefore not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Health-related information on this page including text, graphics, images, and other material is for educational purposes only and therefore not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
