William Shutze discusses the role of vascular surgery in PAD and CLI

Vascular surgeons play a critical role in the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI), conditions that cost many patients their feet or legs due to avoidable amputations. They can perform interventional, catheter-based options as well as open surgical procedures.

William P. Shutze, MD, secretary of the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS), a vascular surgeon with Texas Vascular Associates in Plano, Texas, and a clinical associate professor of medicine at Texas A&M College of Medicine, spoke with Cardiovascular Business about the value vascular surgeons bring to the table when it comes to tackling these challenging conditions.

Shutze noted that there is a lot of overlap when it comes to what interventional cardiologists and interventional radiologists can do in a cath lab. Vascular surgeons, however, offer alternative treatments that can make a world of difference. Referrals to vascular surgeons are often seen as a bit of a last resort, Shutze explained. 

"The term out there is 'no-option patient,' but in my experience is that it is sometimes a 'no-option provider," where the provider has reached their limit of what thy can do," he said.