Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Fontaine classification
Pronunciation: fon-TAYN
Staging system for peripheral arterial disease based on clinical symptoms and functional limitations.
Full Definition
The Fontaine classification is a widely used clinical staging system for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that categorizes patients into four stages based on symptom severity. Stage I represents asymptomatic disease, Stage II involves intermittent claudication, Stage III presents with rest pain, and Stage IV indicates tissue loss or gangrene. This classification system helps standardize patient assessment, guide treatment decisions, and facilitate communication among healthcare providers in vascular medicine.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from Rutherford classification, which uses different staging criteria.
In Context
- "The patient presented with Fontaine Stage III peripheral arterial disease, experiencing severe rest pain." — Vascular surgery consultation note
- "Follow-up examination revealed progression from Fontaine Stage II to Stage III over six months." — Cardiology progress note
Also known as
Fontaine staging
Don't confuse with
Rutherford classification
TASC classification