Endovascular First: Better outcomes compared to open bypass for patients with critical limb ischemia

Written by
Michael Cumming, MD, MBA

This paper uses data from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database to compare outcomes in patients undergoing a below the knee procedure to restore blood flow to the foot.  There is considerable debate regarding the best initial approach - open bypass surgery or endovascular surgery.  Many physicians treating this challenging patient population have switched to an endovascular first approach.  This paper adds to the body of literature supporting this approach.

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