Contact Info for IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Info FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE

[XYZ Institution] is Taking A Stand Against Amputation

• PAD-Related Amputation RatesReduced by X% During First 6 Months

City, State, Date XX, 201X– The XYZ Limb Salvage Institute is proud to report a X% decrease in amputations due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD), during its first 6 months of implementing their amputation prevention program.

Up to a staggering 18 million Americans suffer from PAD1, a potentially life threatening disease where plaquebuilds up along blood vessel walls, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow to the legs and feet. And, each year,160,000 - 180,000 Americans undergo amputation of a limb as a result of complications associated with PAD2. Of those suffering from PAD, up to 3.5 million have progressed to critical limb ischemia (CLI)3, the most severe and deadly form of PAD, where the plaque, including calcium, cause the blood vessels become dangerously narrow, leading to rest pain, ulcers and gangrene. If left untreated PAD can lead toamputation.

CLI, the advanced stage of PAD, is a very complex disease. It takes a dedicated group of health care professionals, including wound care specialists, infectious disease specialists, podiatry, and vascular specialists to work co-operatively to treat all facets of this debilitating disease.

Dr. _____, [PHYSICIAN TITLE, LOCATION] has dedicated him/herself to learning the most advanced procedures to increase the chances for successful treatment. Said Dr. ______[INSERT QUOTE specific to initiatives taken to achieve their amputation reduction goal. What else are they doing to accomplish their goals?]

The risk for developing PAD rises with age and is highest for those over 50 years old. Smoking, the single greatest risk factor, increases the chance of developing PAD three to five times. But other common risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and heart disease4.

The most common symptoms of PAD are leg pain, leg muscle fatigue, coldness or numbness in the lower legs and feet or leg cramps. Theseare oftenoverlooked because people think their PAD symptoms are a part of the aging process, and do not realize they are suffering from the disease.Waiting to talk to a doctor to get the diagnosis and begin treatment may allow the disease to progress to a more severe state.

Dr.______and his colleagues at [INSTITUTION HERE]are committed to providing the most advanced treatment options in a dedicated focus to saving limbs and saving lives.

Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk. And for more information, contact [Institution website]or visit

To set up a consultation at [INSTITUTION HERE] call [ENTER PHONE NUMBER]or visit [ENTER WEBSITE].

References:

1) Schiavetta A, et al. Stem Cells Translational Medicine. 2012; 1:572-578. And Sage Report 2010.; 2)Allie et al, 2009; 3) Ljungman C, et al.Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 1996; 11:176-182.; 4) Joosten MM, Pai JK, Bertoia ML, et al. Associations Between Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Risk of Peripheral Artery Disease in Men. JAMA 2012;308(16):1660-1667

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