Limb Preservation
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Why choose UCSF Health for limb preservation care?
At UCSF Health, we care for people with conditions that put them at risk for foot and leg amputation. These include people with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, foot wounds and infections.
Our program is the first of its kind in the Bay Area to focus on preventing limb amputation. Our team is recognized nationally as leaders in the field, treating the most complex and challenging cases. We offer hope and alternatives to patients who have been told amputation is their only option.
We use a multi-specialty approach, so you receive care from experts in vascular (blood vessel) conditions and podiatry (foot care). Our podiatrists specialize in diabetic foot conditions, and our surgeons specialize in vascular procedures, such as angioplasty and bypass surgery to improve blood flow needed for healing.
In one appointment, you can complete all evaluations, testing and specialist visits and receive your personalized treatment plan. Your team coordinates between outpatient and inpatient services, saving time and ensuring seamless care.
As a top referral hospital, we offer the latest procedures and therapies to over 200 patients each year while leading advancements in limb preservation research. Our team welcomes both referrals and people seeking second opinions.
Why choose UCSF Health for limb preservation care?
At UCSF Health, we care for people with conditions that put them at risk for foot and leg amputation. These include people with diabetes, peripheral artery disease, foot wounds and infections.
Our program is the first of its kind in the Bay Area to focus on preventing limb amputation. Our team is recognized nationally as leaders in the field, treating the most complex and challenging cases. We offer hope and alternatives to patients who have been told amputation is their only option.
We use a multi-specialty approach, so you receive care from experts in vascular (blood vessel) conditions and podiatry (foot care). Our podiatrists specialize in diabetic foot conditions, and our surgeons specialize in vascular procedures, such as angioplasty and bypass surgery to improve blood flow needed for healing.
In one appointment, you can complete all evaluations, testing and specialist visits and receive your personalized treatment plan. Your team coordinates between outpatient and inpatient services, saving time and ensuring seamless care.
As a top referral hospital, we offer the latest procedures and therapies to over 200 patients each year while leading advancements in limb preservation research. Our team welcomes both referrals and people seeking second opinions.
Get care
Highly integrated care
Your care team works together closely, sharing details of your condition to ensure you quickly get the care you need.Timely appointments
We offer prompt appointment scheduling for urgent cases. You typically receive an appointment within 48 hours of contacting us.Leaders in research
We're one of a few programs nationwide funded by the National Institutes of Health Diabetic Foot Consortium, offering access to treatments only available in clinical trials.
Advanced limb preservation care at UCSF Health
We treat all types of wounds and conditions that may lead to amputation, including:
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Buerger's disease
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Charcot foot
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Diabetic foot ulcers
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Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
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Peripheral neuropathy
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Pressure ulcers
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Venous ulcers
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Raynaud's syndrome
You receive care from a coordinated team of specialists and providers trained in limb preservation, including:
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Vascular surgeons
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Podiatrists
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Limb preservation nurses and nurse practitioners
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Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
You may also work with other experts throughout UCSF Health. If needed, specialists in cardiology, endocrinology, kidney disease or rehabilitation medicine may be part of your care team.
Leading-edge limb preservation treatments
Advanced diagnostic techniques, such as angiography, help us understand the condition of your limb and blood vessels. We provide targeted treatments for all types of vascular disease and lower extremity wounds. Our specialists go beyond management for ulcers and wounds, providing advanced care and interventions.
You can receive a full range of outpatient treatments, including:
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Wound care and debridement
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Antibiotics
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Off-loading techniques, including specialized boots, casts, footwear or padding to protect the wound
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Orthotics
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Vascular testing
Innovative treatments, such as deep vein arterialization (DVA), can be limb-saving for people when other care options haven't been effective.
Other inpatient services we provide include:
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Reconstructive foot surgery
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Vascular interventions, such as angioplasty, bypass or stent placement
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Wound care, debridement and dressings
Convenience and support
We partner with several outreach clinics around the Bay Area, making your follow-up appointments more convenient. People residing in California can also choose virtual care appointments from the comfort of home. Your team is available by phone 24/7 to provide help and support.
Providers
Michael S. Conte, MD
Vascular Surgery
Charles M. Eichler, MD
Vascular Surgery
Jade S. Hiramoto, MD
Vascular Surgery
James C. Iannuzzi, MD, MPH
Vascular Surgery
Award-winning care
One of the nation's best for heart & vascular care
Rated high-performing hospital for diabetes care
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Charcot Foot
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diabetic Ulcer
- Peripheral Artery Disease
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Pressure Ulcer
- Raynaud's Disease
- Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Treatments
- Angiography
- Balloon Angioplasty Maturation
Explore what we do
Hope for the toughest casesOpens in a new window
UCSF Health gives hope to people with serious foot and leg wounds and diabetes by saving limbs with a full team and advanced care.
Clinical trials
Endurant Stent Graft System vs Excluder Endoprothesis: ADVANCE TrialOpens in a new window
Proportion of patients with sac regression at 1 year, defined in accordance with SVS guidelines as the reduction in maximum diameter by >= 5 mm when compared to the first CT imaging study obtained within 90 days after index proced...
Support services
Case Management and Social Work
Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class
This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.
Patient Relations
We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.
Spiritual Care at UCSF
Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.