Limb Preservation

From Referral to Diagnosis

If you have concerns about your foot or leg health—such as a wound, ulcer, or pain while walking—or if you have risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia, contact the Hartford HealthCare Limb Preservation Program closest to you.

Once a referral is made, we coordinate all necessary appointments and testing.

You will work with a team of specialists, including a limb preservation nurse navigator and provider, who will serve as your main point of contact throughout diagnosis and treatment.

Based on your needs, you may receive non-invasive testing such as blood pressure screening and vascular ultrasounds to evaluate blood flow in your limbs.

After testing, your nurse navigator will coordinate consultations with specialists such as podiatrists, endocrinologists, wound care specialists, and vascular or general surgeons.

If surgery is needed, your care team will also coordinate recovery, rehabilitation, orthotics, and follow-up care.

Treatments and Technology

The Limb Preservation Program offers advanced treatments close to home, including:

• Angiograms: Minimally invasive procedures to evaluate and improve blood flow. May include stents, balloons, or other tools to open blocked vessels.
• Surgery: Procedures to restore blood flow, remove damaged tissue, or treat non-healing wounds or bone.
• Advanced wound care: Includes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, negative pressure therapy, and synthetic skin grafts.

Our goal is to provide timely, effective care close to home.

If Amputation Is Necessary

Our team works to prevent amputation whenever possible. However, if it becomes necessary, we ensure you have access to rehabilitation, prosthetic care, physical therapy, and support groups to help restore mobility and independence.

Patient Story

System strength saved a Salem butcher, Adam Richotte