Arterial Gerrymandering — Converting Veins to Arteries to Save Ischemic Limbs

Peripheral artery disease affects more than 200 million persons worldwide and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.1 More than 1 million persons in the United States have chronic limb-threatening ischemia, the most severe manifestation of peripheral artery disease, with a substantial risk of amputation and death 1 year after onset that exceeds 20%.2 Key treatments for chronic limb-threatening ischemia include guideline-directed medical therapy to address risk factors for systemic cardiovascular disease and revascularization of the affected leg to restore straight-line arterial flow to the foot and facilitate wound healing.3-5 Two major revascularization approaches can be pursued in patients with . . .