Minimally invasive treatment options for peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed to open the narrowed artery to improve blood flow. In some cases, a vascular stent may be used to keep the artery open.
During an angioplasty procedure, imaging is used to guide a catheter (a very small plastic tube) into an artery and advance it to where the blood vessel is narrow or blocked. A special balloon is inflated to open the vessel. Once the vessel is open, the balloon is deflated and removed.
In some cases, a small wire mesh (called a stent) may be permanently placed in the newly opened artery to help keep it open and blood flowing normally.
Atherectomy
Atherectomy is an alternative to angioplasty. It is a technique for removing plaque from the wall of the blood vessel using a catheter fitted with a sharp blade or burring device. The cleared plaque is then drawn into the catheter and out of the body.
Why choose minimally invasive PAD treatments?
- No open surgery: These procedures require only a small incision, reducing complications and recovery time.
- Faster recovery: Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.
- Outpatient procedure: Many PAD treatments are performed in an outpatient setting, avoiding lengthy hospital stays.
- Effective symptom relief: Improved blood flow can reduce pain, prevent complications, and restore mobility.
Are you a candidate for PAD treatment?
If you are experiencing leg pain, cramping, or non-healing wounds, you may benefit from a consultation with our experienced interventional radiologists at North Star Vascular & Interventional. We provide personalized treatment plans to help you regain your health and mobility.
Schedule an appointment today by calling (952) 960-9399 and take the first step toward better circulation and a more active life.
Learn more about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
What is PAD?
PAD is a condition that affects the body’s extremities—the arms and the legs. It is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis) that narrows or blocks the vessels, restricting the flow of blood. PAD normally occurs in the legs.
Symptoms & risk factors of PAD
Symptoms of PAD include pain, cramping or discomfort in the legs, especially when exercising, walking, or walking up stairs, loss of hair on the lower legs, and wounds or sores on the arms and legs that heal too slowly or not at all. Many people do not experience the symptoms of PAD until it’s too late, so it’s important to know your risk factors for this disease.
Some of these factors include:
- Smoking: The most significant risk factor, as it damages blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels contribute to arterial damage.
- High blood pressure: Increases stress on arterial walls, promoting plaque buildup.
- High cholesterol: Excess cholesterol contributes to the formation of plaque.
- Obesity: Excess weight strains the circulatory system and promotes other risk factors.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of exercise weakens the cardiovascular system.
- Age: Risk increases after 50, especially with other contributing factors.
- Family history: Genetics can play a role in predisposition to atherosclerosis and PAD.
Complications of PAD
It’s important to treat PAD as quickly as possible. If left untreated, PAD can lead to severe health issues such as:
- Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI): A severe blockage in the arteries leading to chronic pain, sores, infections, and potentially limb amputation.
- Stroke and heart attack: Due to reduced circulation and increased risk of clot formation.
- Non-healing wounds: Poor blood flow can lead to ulcers and infections, which may become gangrenous.