Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Advanced Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) management frequently involves taking medications that address the contributing medical issues, like high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. While medication is essential for many patients experiencing the above underlying medical disorders, it won’t necessarily provide immediate relief from debilitating symptoms.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is a highly effective medical procedure for blocked blood vessels. Specifically, it is commonly employed to address PAD, a condition resulting in the narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities.

During the PTA procedure, the patient is usually given a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted. The doctor then makes a small incision at the site, typically in the groin or the arm. Through this incision, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery.

The catheter is delicately guided through the blood vessels using fluoroscopy, which provides real-time X-ray images. This tool allows the doctor to navigate the catheter to the affected artery accurately.

Once the catheter arrives at the constricted or blocked artery, a tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated. By inflating the balloon, the plaque or fatty deposits are compressed against the artery walls, widening the narrowed artery and restoring blood flow. This process is known as balloon angioplasty.

Sometimes, the doctor may also insert a stent during the PTA procedure. A stent is a small mesh tube that can be expanded within the artery to help keep it open. The stent is usually placed at the site of the blockage to provide structural support and prevent the artery from narrowing again. This procedure is known as stenting.

After the balloon angioplasty or stenting, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the catheter is withdrawn. The incision site is closed using adhesive strips or sutures.

Advantages of PTA Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease

• Minimally Invasive: PTA is considered a groundbreaking technique due to its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional surgical interventions, PTA requires only a small incision or puncture to access the affected blood vessels. This approach significantly reduces patient discomfort, promotes faster recovery times, and minimizes the risk of complications.
• High Success Rate: Studies have consistently shown high success rates for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in treating PAD. The procedure has proven to be effective in restoring blood flow to the affected areas, alleviating PAD symptoms, and improving the overall quality of life for patients.
• Low Risk of Complications: PTA has a relatively low risk of complications compared to more invasive surgical procedures. The most common complications include minor bleeding or bruising at the incision site, which usually resolves on its own.

Texas Endovascular: Offering Minimally Invasive Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Texas Endovascular is a specialized medical center that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of PAD. With a patient-focused approach, we prioritize delivering comprehensive vascular care to individuals suffering from this condition. Our team of highly skilled vein specialists in Houston and Dallas ensures that each patient receives personalized attention and individualized treatment plans.

At Texas Endovascular, we understand the impact that PAD can have on our patients’ quality of life. We aim to provide effective and efficient treatment options, such as PTA, to alleviate symptoms, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.