Limb Preservation Program Launches at LVHN, part of Jefferson Health

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, held an event to introduce the Limb Preservation Program, the region’s only program dedicated to saving limbs. Each year, thousands in our community lose limbs because of diabetes, peripheral artery disease and nonhealing wounds. With the help of a nurse navigator, and the collaboration of clinicians from many specialties, people can receive the expert care they need to save their limbs through this new program.

Marissa Famularo, DO, is a vascular and endovascular surgeon who played an integral role in bringing the Limb Preservation Program to fruition.

“Every day we see people suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, critical limb ischemia, infected or gangrenous tissue, chronic nonhealing wounds and peripheral artery disease,” Dr. Famularo said. “Without proper and fast medical intervention, these people are at risk of losing their limbs.”

The first-of-its-kind in our region, the program has offices and specialists in Allentown, Bethlehem and Bartonsville, making this critical program more easily accessible to as many people as possible. Just a few of the specialists who may be consulted include vascular surgeons, wound experts, podiatrists, cardiologists and more. 

Tim Friel, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Jefferson Health–Lehigh Valley Region, welcomed physicians, clinicians and others who attended the event to learn about the program, celebrate its launch and take a tour. 

“The Limb Preservation Program was born when we identified a need for people in danger of losing a limb to find fast, coordinated care,” Dr. Friel said. “It is only through the hard work, dedication and passion of the team involved that we could launch this program today.”

“We are very fortunate to have a talented and dedicated clinical team led by Dr. Famularo,” said Benjamin Jackson, MD, Chief, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, with LVHN. “This is life-changing care for people who are in danger of losing their limbs. It gives them the ability to continue to live their lives.” 

When it comes to limb-saving treatment, there’s not one standard solution. Each person’s condition is diagnosed and a path forward is developed using evidence-based treatments. Clinicians in the Limb Preservation Program provide advanced care using the latest treatments and technologies available.

Treatments may include the use of state-of-the-art wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. When required, the team performs minimally invasive endovascular procedures, like angioplasty and stenting. Vascular surgeons perform complex open surgical bypasses and reconstruction. The program also includes comprehensive rehabilitation to help people walk again.