Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital launches first comprehensive limb preservation program

Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital announced the launch of Orlando Health System's first comprehensive limb preservation program. 

Through the program, a multidisciplinary team will provide care to patients at risk for limb loss to prevent "a life-changing emergency," according to a news release.

More than 5.6 million people live with limb loss or limb difference in the U.S., according to the Amputee Coalition. 

According to the coalition, 40% of all people who lose limbs have vascular disease, and 57% have a preceding diagnosis of diabetes. 

Patients experiencing peripheral artery disease, peripheral vascular disease or critical limb threatening ischemia would be eligible to take part in the comprehensive limb preservation program at Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital.

"We know this is a population where we can make a difference by providing wrap-around preventative care," said Alicia Howe, associate chief operating officer of Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital, in a news release. "By effectively managing the underlying condition, we hope to increase the opportunity for successful patient outcomes and reduce amputation rates."

The program will offer access to a team of highly trained experts through in-person consultations and visits, and physicians providing care for patients will include specialists from the Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute, podiatry, internal medicine, wound care and infectious disease, according to the release. 

"As a vascular surgeon and specialist in limb salvage, I am excited to lead this multidisciplinary endeavor committed to limb preservation," said Kevin Claudeanos, an Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute vascular surgeon. "This program is truly a unique and novel approach to limb salvage that will proudly serve the Orlando area."

Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital also will provide education and disease management as well as support for acute care needs and access rehabilitation services. The team will utilize a range of treatments and therapies to tailor each care plan to the patient's unique needs. 

To inquire about joining the limb preservation program, contact Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital at 407-439-2100 or email [email protected].