{Reference Type}: Comparative Study
{Title}: The BEST-CLI trial is nearing the finish line and promises to be worth the wait.
{Author}: Farber A;Rosenfield K;Siami FS;Strong M;Menard M;
{Journal}: J Vasc Surg
{Volume}: 69
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: 02 2019
{Factor}: 4.86
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jvs.2018.05.255
{Abstract}: There is significant variability and equipoise in the management of critical limb ischemia (CLI). The Best Endovascular vs Best Surgical Therapy in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia (BEST-CLI) trial, funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is a prospective, open label, multicenter, multispecialty randomized controlled trial designed to compare treatment efficacy, functional outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life for 2100 patients suffering from CLI. BEST-CLI is enrolling those patients who are determined to be candidates for open surgical or endovascular revascularization and is designed to be comprehensive, pragmatic, and balanced. Enrollment is occurring at >130 sites across the world, and BEST-CLI is nearing the finish line. Although the trial has encountered a number of obstacles, they are being successfully navigated. This trial promises to establish an evidence-based standard of care in the management of this population of vulnerable patients.