Of adults are affected by PAD
Typical in-office procedure
Image-guided through a pinhole
Interventional radiologists
Risk rises with:
Left untreated, PAD can lead to non-healing wounds, infection, and in severe cases amputationย โ and because it reflects widespread atherosclerosis, it also raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Early diagnosis greatly reduces these risks.
Smoking damages blood vessels, accelerates atherosclerosis, and heightens the risk of blood clot formation. By avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing PAD.
Physical activity improves blood circulation, strengthens the heart, and promotes the growth of collateral blood vessels that can compensate for blockages. Brisk walking, running, cycling, or swimming all benefit your vascular system.
A diet built on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and heart-healthy fats helps manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. Limit sodium, saturated and trans fats, and processed foods.
Opens blocked arteries with a balloon โ a tiny balloon-tipped catheter is guided to the narrowed artery and gently inflated to restore blood flow.
Inserts a small scaffold to keep the artery open after angioplasty, helping blood continue flowing freely in areas where a vessel may naturally re-narrow over time.
Uses a rotating device to remove plaque build up from arteries, especially hardened, calcified blockages that resist balloon angioplasty alone.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) management frequently involves taking medications to control symptoms and slow progression of the disease.
A thin catheter is inserted through a small puncture in the groin or arm and guided to the blockage using live imaging, with local anesthesia.
The blocked artery is reopened using a balloon to widen it, an atherectomy device to remove plaque, or a stent to help keep it open, depending on the blockage.
Blood flow to the leg improves, helping relieve symptoms such as cramping and pain caused by poor circulation.
No hospital stay. You go home within an hour or two.
Just a tiny puncture, with no open surgery or general anesthesia.
Most patients return to normal activity within a day or two.
Medically necessary PAD treatment is covered by most major plans and Medicare.
Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs; most often the legs. It develops when plaque made of cholesterol, calcium, and fatty deposits builds up inside the artery walls (atherosclerosis). Reduced blood flow can cause leg pain and cramping and, if untreated, more serious complications.
The most common sign is leg cramping or pain when walking that eases with rest, called claudication. Other warning signs include numbness or weakness in the legs, coldness in a lower leg or foot, sores on the toes or feet that won't heal, skin color changes, slower hair or nail growth, and a weak or absent pulse in the legs or feet.
PAD is diagnosed with simple, non-invasive tests. The most common is the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares the blood pressure in your ankle to your arm. Doppler ultrasound, and in some cases CT or catheter angiography, can map exactly where and how severely the arteries are narrowed so we can plan the right treatment.
Early-stage PAD can often be managed with medication, a structured walking program, and tobacco cessation. Minimally invasive procedures may be recommended when symptoms persist or circulation is significantly reduced.
Untreated PAD can progress to critical limb ischemia, non-healing wounds, infection, and in severe cases gangrene that may lead to amputation. Because PAD reflects widespread atherosclerosis, it also raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly reduce these risks.
Downtime is minimal. Because the procedure is done through a small pinhole under local numbing, most patients go home the same day and return to light activity within a day or two. You'll avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting briefly, and we'll give you clear instructions for caring for the catheter site.
Yes. Medically necessary PAD evaluation and treatment is covered by most major insurance plans and Medicare. Our team verifies your benefits and handles the paperwork before treatment begins, so you'll know what to expect up front.
You can significantly lower your risk and slow PAD by quitting tobacco, staying active, eating a heart-healthy diet, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. While existing plaque doesn't simply disappear, treatment restores blood flow and these habits keep your arteries healthier for the long term.
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