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Vascular Disease

Limb Salvage and Amputation Prevention Program

A specialized team at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute is transforming the standard of care for “no option” critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients at risk of amputation. If you or a loved one have been told that amputation is your only treatment option, it is vital that you get a second opinion from our experts. We have the expertise to save limbs with advanced, innovative techniques – even when other treatment options have failed.


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Call 216-286-9117 to schedule an appointment.

Find an amputation prevention specialist

Avoid Amputation with Unique Expertise

Study Shows Significantly Lower Amputation Rates

UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute led a first-of-its-kind study with results published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions showing that 75 percent of patients scheduled for a major amputation were instead able to keep their limb after being managed by our Limb Salvage Advisory Council.

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University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute’s Limb Salvage and Amputation Prevention Program is one of just a few that exist in the United States, providing limb preservation and lifesaving results for patients with blood flow blockages in the legs.

We have assembled a unique, interdisciplinary team to evaluate alternative treatments for patients scheduled for amputation. Our Limb Salvage Advisory Council (LSAC) is comprised of vascular surgeons, endovascular interventionalists, vascular medicine specialists, podiatrists and wound care experts – including multiple physicians from each specialty to ensure that different points of view are considered. This professional collaboration often leads to more potential treatment options to avoid amputation.


Who Can Benefit from an Amputation Prevention Consultation?

A Lifesaving Option for Patients Facing Limb Amputation

Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD, President, University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, explains how the UH limb salvage program is saving lives and limbs. “Don’t accept amputation as an answer,” he says. “Get a second and third opinion.”

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Diabetes-related circulation issues in the legs or peripheral artery disease (PAD) can cause cramping, numbness and nonhealing wounds that can affect a person’s daily activities. If left untreated or poorly managed, blood flow blockages in the legs can lead to:

If treatments such as angioplasty and stent placement, open bypass, thrombectomy or other endovascular repairs don’t help, patients may be told amputation is the recommended course of action. However, our limb salvage team offers potential solutions that other institutions don’t.


Unparalleled Access to the Best Limb Salvage Therapies

Our Limb Salvage and Amputation Prevention Program offers the most advanced therapies available to reduce leg amputations, giving our patients the best options to prevent lower extremity limb loss. These catheter-based procedures provide a minimally invasive treatment option, even for those deemed too sick or high risk for open surgery. Available therapies and procedures include:


International Training Site for Optimal Limb Salvage Techniques

Center for Novel and Integrated Approaches in Vascular-Metabolic Disease

One of a select few programs in the United States focused on the interdisciplinary treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD) or critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

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Our experts are committed to education and public health. We have trained more than 400 physicians across the globe in advanced techniques for limb salvage and are highly sought as guest lecturers at medical conferences. We remain at the forefront of innovation in limb salvage and amputation prevention with our work continuously published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Examples of recent publications include:


Patient Success Stories

With a steadfast mantra of “leave no limbs behind,” we are dedicated to delivering the best care. Learn about patients who were at risk for amputation because of advanced vascular disease but found hope – and ultimately saved their limbs – with help from the team at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute.

UH Team Saves Leg and Life of Kentucky Man Facing Amputation

Daniel Boynton mows the lawn

After three different doctors told Daniel Boynton his leg needed to be amputated, he traveled to Cleveland for a limb- and life-saving procedure.

Novel Council at UH Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute Diverts Patients from Amputation

Limb Salvage Patient Maurice Edwards

Maurice Edwards of Cleveland knew he might lose his leg to amputation, but thanks to a novel council at University Hospitals (UH) Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, he was spared that fate.

Leg Saved with Advanced Procedure

Jean consults with Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD

With one leg previously amputated, Jean came to UH with the same condition – critical limb ischemia (CLI) – in her other leg. Through advanced techniques, her leg was saved.

Doctors Save Leg of Patient With Diabetes By Restoring Blood Flow

John Potocnik being interviewed in his home

John underwent three failed procedures to restore circulation to his foot. Doctors told him his leg would need to be amputated, so John sought a second opinion.

Limb Salvage and Amputation Prevention Doctors

Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD

(4.8), 16 Reviews
  • Cardiology-Vascular Medicine, Cardiology, Cardiology-Interventional Cardiology
  • Cleveland (0 mi.)
    Cleveland (0 mi.)
    Beachwood (7 mi.)
    Beachwood (7 mi.)

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Vascular Medicine Specialists

Our vascular medicine specialists focus on the diagnosis and medical management of any circulatory condition affecting the blood vessels, including arteries, veins and lymphatic system. They may also refer patients to other members of the Vascular Center, including an interventional cardiologist or vascular surgeon for advanced therapies if needed.

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Vascular Surgeons

Our vascular surgeons are dedicated to the evaluation and treatment of any vascular condition outside the heart or brain. They are trained to perform every possible vascular intervention and surgery, including the most advanced procedures when other treatments are not effective or appropriate based on the patient’s condition.

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Endovascular Specialists

Our endovascular medicine specialists in the Vascular Center are interventional cardiologists who have completed additional, focused training in the management of patients with vascular disease as experts in performing minimally invasive, catheter-based procedures to restore blood flow, reduce pain or assist with wound healing.

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Vascular Advanced Practice Providers

Our specially trained physician assistants and nurse practitioners in the Vascular Center work in close collaboration with physician team members. They meet with patients to review records, perform physical exams, order related testing and provide education about the patient’s vascular condition or procedure.

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Limb Salvage and Amputation Prevention Program

If you or a loved one have been told that amputation is your only treatment option, it is vital that you get a second opinion from our experts. We have the expertise to save limbs with advanced, innovative techniques – even when other treatment options have failed.

Call 216-286-9117 to schedule an appointment.