HOUMA, La., May 31 (UPI) -- There are too many non-traumatic amputations caused by arterial blockages linked to diabetes, smoking, obesity and vascular problems, says a U.S. expert.
The number of diabetes-related lower extremity amputation hospital discharges increased by 240 percent between 1980 and 2002 -- 33,000 to 82,000 -- according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
"It is shocking that in this day and age, there is an epidemic of unnecessary amputations. Amputation is a drastic procedure that takes a great physical and emotional toll on patients and their families," said Dr. Craig Walker of the Cardiovascular Institute of the South in Houma, La. "But physicians often jump too quickly to amputation rather than exploring medical advances that can prevent limb loss."
Walker is a pioneer in the medical procedure Cool Laser Revascularization for Peripheral Artery Therapy, or CLiRpath, which uses a "cool" excimer laser and catheter system that vaporizes arterial blockages and restores blood flow.
"In the U.S. alone, there are approximately 1.8 million people living with limb loss," Walker said, citing National Limb Loss Amputation Center statistics. "A good portion of these individuals could have salvaged their limbs."
