Peripheral artery disease treatmentwithout surgery

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.

• Balloon angioplasty — a balloon-tipped catheter widens the narrowed artery.
• Atherectomy — a catheter removes plaque directly from the artery wall.
• Stent placement — a small mesh tube holds the artery open.

Early-stage PAD is often managed with medication, a walking program, and quitting tobacco before a procedure is needed.

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.