CLiRpath® Peripheral Artery Therapy

CLiRpath laser treatment offers a new alternative in the fight against amputation.

Amputation is a frequent "treatment" for patients with totally obstructed leg arteries. Many people with this condition suffer from Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), which is the most severe form of Peripheral Artery Disease. CLI is common in people with diabetes.

Hunt Regional Medical Center at Greenville is one of the first hospitals in the country to use this new "cool" laser procedure to clear total obstructions of leg arteries. Vascular Surgeon Ralph Brookshire, D.O. performs the CLiRpath procedures.

One million people in the U.S. have Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), caused by the progressive accumulation of plaque and blood clots in the leg arteries, leading to obstruction of blood flow. CLI can lead to severe leg pain, non-healing ulcers, and even gangrene. The result of untreated CLI is often amputation of the limb.

CLiRpath vaporizes arterial blockages in leg arteries, restoring straightline blood flow. Restored blood flow gives wounds a better chance to heal, saving limbs and improving patients' physical and psychological well-being.

The laser unit produces an intense light beam that is delivered through fiberoptic catheters (each about the width of a human hair) to a small area of tissue. Short bursts of the laser's "cool" ultraviolet energy vaporizes the arterial obstructions.

In clinical trials, CLiRpath resulted in a 95% limb salvage rate.

CLiRpath was developed by Spectranetics Corp. in Colorado Springs, manufacturers of medical devices for minimally invasive surgical procedures.

If you would like more information about this state-of-the-art technology, contact the Development & Communications Department at 903.408.1064.