Arkansas Amputation Prevention Center
The Arkansas Amputation Prevention Center is a comprehensive program involving endovascular surgery, vascular surgery, general surgery, infectious disease, podiatry, wound-care providers, orthopedists, and emergency room staff. With a team of more than 16 physicians and healthcare providers we take a team approach to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) in order to prevent amputation. Dr. Lonnie Harrison is the Medical Director and is one of only a few physicians in the world trained in Amputation Prevention using a complex approach to open closed vessels to the feet under ultrasound.
WHAT ARE PAD & CLI
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) – also known as peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries – is a disorder that occurs in the arteries of the circulatory system. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrient-rich blood from the heart to all areas of the body. PAD occurs in the arteries that carry blood to the arms and legs. Healthy arteries have a smooth lining that prevents blood from clotting and promotes steady blood flow. In PAD, the arteries slowly become narrowed or blocked when plaque gradually forms inside the artery walls. One of the most devastating consequences of PAD is critical limb ischemia (CLI), a severe blockage of the arteries that reduces blood flow to the extremities. CLI results in severe pain, skin ulcers, and, if left untreated gangrene. Unfortunately, the first line of treatment is often amputation. However, it is important that the physician conducts a vascular workup beforehand to ensure they have exhausted all options before amputation.
Healthy arteries have a smooth lining that prevents blood from clotting and promotes steady blood flow. In PAD, the arteries slowly become narrowed or blocked when plaque gradually forms inside the artery walls.
One of the most devastating consequences of PAD is critical limb ischemia (CLI), a severe blockage of the arteries that reduces blood flow to the extremities. CLI results in severe pain, skin ulcers, and, if left untreated gangrene. Unfortunately, the first line of treatment is often amputation. However, it is important that the physician conducts a vascular workup beforehand to ensure they have exhausted all options before amputation.
SYMPTOMS
A burning or aching pain in the feet and toes while resting, especially at night while lying flat
Cool skin in the feet
Redness or other color changes of the skin
Increased occurrence of infection
Toe and foot sores that do not heal
Many people with PAD do not have any symptoms
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Total life expectancy post amputation
Healthcare costs related to amputation
Quality of life post amputation
If you have questions or concerns about a potential amputation, please call:
(501) 574-7283
or
(501) 398-9195
WHEN TO CALL?
Limb at risk from infection
Non-healing wound of the lower extremity
Gangrene
Bone loss
Dr. Harrison is one of only a few physicians in the world trained in Amputation Prevention using a complex approach to open closed vessels to the feet under ultrasound. This lady unfortunately had a left below the knee amputation before referral to Dr. Harrison and the Ammputation Prevention Center. We were able to save her right leg and the remainder of her left leg. Had Dr. Harrison seen her before her amputation, he could have saved the leg. She is now anxious to tell her story and hopefully help others to avoid amputation.
Plaque removed from blocked arteries
KNOW THE FACTS
160,000 amputations occur every year in the US — that’s one amputation every three minutes.
The chance of living two years after an amputation is only 50%.
The chance of living four years after an amputation is only 20%.
More than 50% of amputations occur without even an ankle-brachial index check of the legs.
Dr. Harrison is one of only a few physicians in the world trained in Amputation Prevention using a complex approach to open closed vessels to the feet under ultrasound. This lady unfortunately had a left below the knee amputation before referral to Dr. Harrison and the Ammputation Prevention Center. We were able to save her right leg and the remainder of her left leg. Had Dr. Harrison seen her before her amputation, he could have saved the leg. She is now anxious to tell her story and hopefully help others to avoid amputation.
This foot was saved from amputation. The great toe was lost but the patient was able to keep his foot and leg!
Even with infection into the bone, by opening closed vessels below the knee under ultrasound, we were able to salvage most of the foot, and avoid amputation!