Pathophysiology related to peripheral vascular disease.

The problems of peripheral vascular diseases are varied and sometimes complex. The major and most common disease is arteriosclerosis obliterans. This problem will continue as the life expectancy increases. The severity of the disease compromises the quality of life. An understanding of the pathophysiologic process is necessary to enhance the quality of life and prevent the terrible and disfiguring complications which can arise as a result of insufficient knowledge.