AMP provides an unrivaled experience where endovascular and vascular specialists can learn the latest advances in revascularization and explore groundbreaking techniques that will improve the future for CLI patients.

In the movement to save Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) patients’ limbs and lives, collaboration is key.

This was the core message of our recent Amputation Prevention Symposium (AMP), held August 16-19 in Chicago. We called on all professionals working to prevent and treat CLI to fight for patients and not against each other, to trust each other, to work together, and to promote the very best practices in patient care.

Now more than ever before, it is critical that endovascular and vascular professionals take a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with CLI and peripheral artery disease (PAD). In the United States alone, approximately 2 million patients suffer from CLI. Worldwide, lower-extremity PAD affects an estimated 230 million people, with about 11% of these patients also presenting with CLI.

As we kick off PAD Awareness Month in September, we invite all members of the CLI care team to watch sessions from AMP virtually. Session 5, “Atherectomy: Controversial or Essential for CLI?” will be available at no cost beginning September 1. On-demand access to AMP’s 14 general sessions will be available for purchase September through November and may be viewed through the end of 2023. AMP 2023 in-person attendees can upgrade their registration to add on-demand (and new attendees can purchase on-demand) through the Registration page on the event website.

Sessions presented at AMP sparked meaningful discussions among a multidisciplinary group of panelists and attendees. Session 5 in particular led to a lively discussion that continued throughout the morning. It highlighted recent media coverage questioning the use of atherectomy in patients with CLI, led by vascular experts Craig Walker, MD, Bret Wiechmann, MD, Eric Secemsky, MD, Thomas Davis, MD, and Christopher LeSar, MD. Presenters shared evidence-based information and late-breaking research results on when and how atherectomy should be used to prevent amputation and improve the lives of patients with CLI.

We worked hard this year to facilitate open communication and encourage teamwork among all members of the CLI care team, including interventional radiologists, interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons, podiatrists, wound care professionals, nurses, techs, students, residents, fellows, and industry partners. I cannot stress enough how important it is for our patients that we listen to one another, collaborate, and truly take a team approach in our practice.

I was energized by the powerful presentations and conversations at our 2023 event. If you missed AMP this year, or if you were there but want to revisit the sessions and discussions, AMP On-Demand is an accessible, affordable option for your ongoing education and professional development.

AMP provides an unrivaled experience where endovascular and vascular specialists can learn the latest advances in revascularization and explore groundbreaking techniques that will improve the future for CLI patients. The 2024 event will be held August 17-20 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk.

For more information, visit amptheclimeeting.com.