Limb Preservation Center at UMass Memorial Medical Center

Patient Information at UMassMemorial.org

Our Goal:

The goal of the Limb Preservation Center is to help patients with limb-threatening diseases, such as diabetes or peripheral artery disease, to maintain their independence and quality of life through a multidisciplinary approach. The center works with patients to develop an individualized plan to maximize their wound healing potential and maintain their walking status for as long as possible. 

Under the medical leadership of Douglas Jones, MD, Medical Director of our Limb Preservation Center, our team incorporates current standards of care for patients at risk of limb loss.  Through coordination of care, our patients are guided every step of the way, utilizing resources at UMass Memorial Medical Center and in the larger medical community throughout Massachusetts.

Complex Wound Care in Central Massachusetts:

We offer a variety of state-of-the art treatments for patients with foot wounds, whether due to peripheral artery disease, diabetes, or other causes. Additionally, we closely work with those individuals at risk for developing an ulcer to maximize their preventative care. All patients are evaluated by our vascular team, with extensive knowledge of complex wounds. Offloading casts, boots and shoes are provided to patients who require this care. An on-site non-invasive vascular laboratory is available to evaluate both arterial and venous circulation. We are also pleased to work collaboratively with other wound centers throughout the area to coordinate care that maximizes resources and expertise.

Our Interventional Modalities:

We employ a variety of interventional methods focused on your individual needs including:

• State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, and angiogram)
• Minimally invasive endovascular therapy (angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy)
• Surgical procedures (arterial bypasses and revascularizations)
• Research Trials

A Multidisciplinary Approach:

Because foot ulcers are a common pathway leading to limb loss, the team works collaboratively with other subspecialty physicians with a goal to heal these ulcers, prevent recurrence, and return patients to a state of independent walking. Our Limb Preservation team works to coordinate care from multiple providers, including (but not limited to) Endocrinology, Infectious Disease, Podiatry, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry), Prosthetics, and Plastic Surgery.

Our care team features our clinical coordinator, Allison Learned, MSN, NP, CWS, who serves as a central resource to the community of referring physicians. Her exceptional wound care expertise provides patients with all phases of wound care, including advanced biological products, total contact casting, and debridement services when indicated. She provides clinical care in our outpatient clinic to patients referred to our Limb Preservation Center, and follows patients enrolled in our program from initial hospitalization to healing.

To request more information or make a referral, please contact our office at (508) 856-5599.

Our Team:

Andres Schanzer, MD, Chief, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery • Francesco Aiello, MD • Elias Arous, MD • Douglas Jones, MD • Dejah Judelson, MD • Louis Messina, MD • Tammy Nguyen, MD • Jessica Simons, MD, MPH • Robert Steppacher, MD • Allison Learned, NP, Limb Preservation Center Coordinator • Shauneen Valliere, NP • Lauren O'Connell, NP • Mallory Gibbons, NP • Devon Robichaud, NP • Donna D’Agostino, NP • Krista Elliot, NP • Lisa Arello, NP • Elizabeth D’Alesio, NP and our entire inpatient team of resident doctors who rotate onto our service