Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe manifestation of peripheral artery occlusive disease. Without timely diagnosis and revascularization, patients with CLI are at risk of devastating complications including loss of limb and life. Therapeutic goals in treating patients with CLI include reducing cardiovascular risk factors, relieving ischemic pain, heating ulcers, preventing major amputation, improving quality of life and increasing survival. These aims may be achieved through medical therapy, revascularization or amputation. The past decade has seen substantial growth in endovascular therapies and options now exist for treating long segment occlusive disease, but surgical bypass may still yield more durable results. Patients who are younger, more active, and at low risk for surgery, may have better outcomes undergoing an operation. This is also indicated for endovascular failures, which may include technical failures or late occlusions after stents or other procedures. In contrast, frail patients with a limited life expectancy may experience better outcomes with endovascular therapy. For patients who are non-ambulatory, demented, or unfit to undergo revascularization, an amputation should be considered.