Multidisciplinary Approach to PAD: Who's on Your Team?

The complexity of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and its multiorgan involvement requires the utilization of a multispecialty team approach. Members of this team include a vascular specialty (interventional radiology, cardiology, and vascular surgery), podiatry, orthopedic surgery, primary care, infectious disease, endocrinology, plastic surgery, wound care nursing, and dietetics. A team approach has been proven to significantly improve patient outcomes as well as decreasing amputation rates. In order to promote collaboration and avoid duplication of care, the team can be broken down into three main pillars: medical management, wound care, and revascularization. A complete team approach is vital for this population, with an overall goal to treat all manifestations of the disease and prevent further progression and risk of major sequelae of the disease.