Most treatments for PAD, especially in the early stages, can be in office and is minimally invasive. The goal of treatments is twofold: to manage symptoms which involves risk factor modification, lifestyle changes and sometimes medical therapy and to stop the progression of atherosclerosis throughout the body to lower risks of major cardiac and limb events. It is important to know that PAD is not treated surgically or endovascularly unless there is a threat of tissue loss or significant impact on lifestyle, health and well-being.

These goals may be achieved, particularly early in the progression of a patient’s PAD, in-office. 

The procedures that are available in-office include:

• Angioplasty: An angioplasty is the widening of an artery. A thin flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into the artery, usually in the groin, and threaded through the arteries. X-ray images of your arteries will help your physician guide the catheter to the blockage. A tiny, thin wire will then be passed across the narrowed segment of the artery. It serves as a support for positioning the tiny balloon across the blockage. Next, a balloon catheter- a long, thin flexible tube with a small uninflated balloon at its tip – will be threaded into the artery where it’s narrowed. Once in position, the balloon will be inflated to open up the artery. This widens the arterial walls, stopping the blockage and restoring proper blood flow. The balloon is then deflated, catheter removed, and the procedure is complete. 
• Atherectomy: An atherectomy is a procedure performed to remove or “debulk” plaque build up from diseased arteries. A specialized catheter with a laser or tiny rotating blade attached to the end is gently inserted into the artery, usually in the groin, and threaded through the arteries. X-ray images of your arteries will help your physician guide the catheter to the blockage. When it’s in place, the atherectomy device will destroy the plaque, widening the artery and allowing blood to flow freely. The catheter is then removed, and the procedure is complete. 
• Arterial Stenting: A stent is a metal mesh tube that is inserted permanently into an artery to help keep the vessel open. The stent is placed during an angiogram and is often used in conjunction with an angioplasty. Some stents, called drug-eluting stents, are coated in medicine that slowly releases into your artery. This keeps your artery smooth and open, and it helps prevent future blockages. The placement of a stent is very precise and choosing an expert, much like our Vascular Interventional Radiologist at ProVas Labs, in this field is important.