Antithrombotic Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Disease.

Background: Patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) are at ele - vated risk for cardiovascular events and vascular events affecting the limbs. The goals of antithrombotic treatment are to keep vessels open after revascularization, to prevent cardiovascular events, and to lessen the frequency of peripheral ischemia and of amputation.

Methods: This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search, with particular attention to meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and the German and European angiological guidelines.