Limb-preservation

Limb-preservation program in Augusta, Georgia

An estimated 185,000 amputations are performed in the U.S. each year. Of those, more than half had no diagnostic or therapeutic endovascular intervention in the year leading up to the amputation.

Doctors Hospital of Augusta’s limb-saving program aims to provide patients with every option available to prevent unnecessary amputations.

Many types of treatments help patients avoid or minimize amputation, including arterial duplex, ankle-brachial index, endovascular surgery, flap surgery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, microvascular surgery, peripheral angiography and wound debridement.

Limb-preservation program features

Our limb-preservation program features a unique approach involving specialists from various disciplines, from cardiovascular care to wound care and diagnostics. We offer the following services to those in danger of losing a limb:

• A comprehensive evaluation to develop an individualized care plan based on established protocols and unique patient-specific needs
• A team of specialists to work with the patient and the patient’s existing healthcare providers
• A team to help patients and families with communication and coordination of healthcare among various providers
• Education, including nutrition and diabetes management skills for home use
• Prevention, including offloading, pressure relief and routine care
• Long-term follow-up

Who is at risk of losing a limb?

Patients often have a non-healing ulcer. They may have decreased sensory loss of an extremity. Those at risk for possible limb loss may include patients with any, some, or all of the following conditions:

• Blood clotting disorder
• Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
• Cardiovascular issues, such as coronary artery disease or peripheral arterial disease
• Claudication (pain in legs when walking)
• Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
• Hyperlipidemia
• Non-healing wounds
• Tobacco use

Are you in danger of losing a limb?

Notify your physician if you have these signs:

• Reduced hair growth on legs
• Leg cramps when lying in bed
• Legs and arms turning reddish-blue or pale
• Thin or pale skin on legs and feet
• Weak pulse in legs and feet
• Wounds or ulcers that won’t heal
• Blue color in toes
• Severe burning or thick and opaque toenails
• Numbness or heaviness in muscles

Limb loss prevention

We believe a multidisciplinary team approach is critical to limb saving. Whether a patient has problems with their legs and feet or is looking for ways to prevent future issues, our team guides them through the journey.

Our specialists work with patients, families, and their current healthcare team using established protocols and the latest advancements. They work together to ensure patients have the services, care and preventive tools to optimize long-term health.

To help prevent complications and preserve limbs, make sure you are following these recommendations:

• Do not smoke or use any tobacco products.
• Adopt healthy eating habits.
• Exercise regularly.
• Reduce high blood pressure.
• Keep cholesterol levels under control.
• If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar level.

Our limb preservation team

Our team is composed of specialists in the following areas:

• Cardiovascular surgery
• Diagnostic imaging
• Hyperbaric medicine
• Interventional cardiology
• Interventional radiology
• Wound care