Lower-extremity arterial disease.
Peripheral arterial disease is a common disorder in the aging United States population that is both underdiagnosed and undertreated. In this review, we outline the general approaches to the diagnosis and management of lower-extremity arterial diseases. A broad array of current treatment options, including medical, catheter-based, and open surgical interventions are available for patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. A patient-oriented approach based on anatomic and physiologic principles for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease is presented. Embolic and aneurysmal diseases of the lower-extremity arteries are also briefly reviewed. All surgeons should be aware of these common conditions and their applicable management strategies.