Principal problems of nonoperative treatment of patients with chronic obliterating diseases of the lower limb arteries are discussed. The main directions of nonoperative treatment are marked out, the indications for out- and in-patient treatment and for the use in clinical practice of promising methods of treatment (quantum and laser therapy, hemosorption, plasmapheresis) are determined. As the result of adequate nonoperative therapy (if the conditions suggested by the authors are abided by) the patients' working capacity is maintained, the need for in-patient treatment is lessened, and the term of disability is reduced. This dictates the need for setting apart a special angiological service in out-patient clinics which calls for special medical equipment and training and specialization of angiologists, beginning from medical institutes.