When it comes to vascular health, the stakes couldn't be higher. Dr. Kevin Lie, a vascular and interventional radiologist at Georgia Endovascular, recently joined Mike Bolland on the "We're Not Stumped" podcast, a platform dedicated to the limb loss and amputee community.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Lie discusses a sobering reality: many amputations are preventable. By understanding the warning signs of vascular disease and seeking a second opinion, patients can often avoid life-altering surgery through minimally invasive procedures.

The Silent Threat: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Dr. Lie explains that the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet.

"PAD is often a silent disease," Dr. Lie shares. Because the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for "just getting older" or general muscle soreness, many patients don't seek help until the damage is severe.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore:

• Claudication: Pain or cramping in the legs that occurs during walking and stops with rest.
• Non-healing sores: Wounds or ulcers on the feet or toes that won't heal.
• Discoloration: Toes or feet that turn blue or dark.
• Temperature changes: One foot feeling significantly colder than the other.

Learn more about symptoms of PAD and when to seek treatment.

How Interventional Radiology Saves Limbs

The traditional response to severe vascular blockages used to be major bypass surgery or, in worst-case scenarios, amputation. Dr. Lie and the team at Georgia Endovascular utilize minimally invasive PAD treatment options to change that outcome.

• Precision Imaging: Using advanced tools like Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), Dr. Lie can see exactly where the blockage is from inside the vessel.
• Clearing the Path: Through atherectomy (removing plaque) and balloon angioplasty, blood flow is restored to the foot, allowing wounds to heal and saving the limb.
• Outpatient Recovery: These procedures are performed in a specialized outpatient center, meaning no hospital stay and a much faster return to daily life.

Why a Second Opinion Matters

One of the most important takeaways from Dr. Lie’s appearance on "We're Not Stumped" is the power of patient advocacy. If you or a loved one have been told that amputation is the only option, Dr. Lie urges you to seek a second opinion from a vascular specialist.

"Our goal is to keep patients whole," says Dr. Lie. "Early intervention is the key to limb salvage."

Contact us to schedule a vascular screening if you're experiencing PAD symptoms.

FAQ: PAD and Amputation Prevention

Is PAD common? Yes, especially among veterans, smokers, and people living with diabetes. It affects millions of Americans, many of whom are unaware they have it.

Can blood flow be restored if a toe has already turned dark? In many cases, yes. While tissue death (gangrene) is serious, restoring blood flow immediately is the only way to save the rest of the foot and prevent a higher-level amputation.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Lie? While many patients are referred by their primary doctors or podiatrists, you can contact Georgia Endovascular directly for a vascular screening if you are experiencing symptoms.

Learn more about PAD diagnosis and testing options available.

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