BEST-CLI Study

What is peripheral arterial disease and who is at risk?

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up in the blood vessels that carry blood to arms and legs. About 3-10% of people have PAD and this number increases to 15-20% in those over 70 years of age. PAD is particularly common in individuals who smoke or have diabetes. Some patients with PAD develop critical limb ischemia (CLI).

How is peripheral arterial disease treated?

CLI is typically treated with revascularization procedures (creating detours around or through the narrowed or blocked arteries) to improve blood flow to the leg and foot.

Are these treatments new or experimental?

No. Endovascular therapy and bypass surgery are two standard types of treatment that improve blood flow to the leg. This study is comparing these two standard-of-care treatments.

What are my costs in this study?

Depending on your health insurance, patients may have been required to make co-payments for visits and tests that are considered standard care for CLI. All tests, visits, and procedures that are done only for research purposes were paid for by NHLBI.

Will I be paid for participation in this study?

Patients received $50.00 upon successful completion of each study visit. (Participants with unusual travel burdens may have received up to $100.00 per visit.)