ABSTRACT
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in adults in most developed and many developing countries. The mainstay of therapy for coronary and lower extremity ischemia is revascularization, either by catheter-based or surgical techniques. Both approaches have been effective in reducing the morbidity associated with these disease processes. Unfortunately, not all patients with coronary or peripheral ischemia are candidates for intervention. Often, multiple comorbidities associated with diffuse atherosclerosis preclude the use of invasive treatments. Consequently, a less invasive strategy would be a welcome adjunct to current therapeutic alternatives.
