Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic and progressive condition that occurs when the arteries that carry blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, resulting in reduced blood flow. PAD is often caused by atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries, which can lead to inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels. Over time, the affected arteries become hardened and lose their elasticity, further reducing blood flow to the affected areas.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can have serious consequences, including the risk of losing toes or even a foot. Therefore, it's important to be aware of symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur. Diagnosis of PAD begins with a medical history and physical examination, including the ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares blood pressure in the legs to that in the arms. If the ABI is abnormal, further testing may be needed, such as arterial duplex ultrasound, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or angiogram. An angiogram is a minimally invasive procedure that involves imaging of an artery with a small amount of contrast dye and/or carbon dioxide, which can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. Vascular interventional radiologists can use angiogram imaging to assess potential obstructions and perform treatments such as angioplasty, atherectomy, and/or stent placement. Seeking prompt medical attention and following a personalized treatment plan can help manage symptoms and improve outcomes for those with PAD.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a chronic and progressive condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. When the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis, or buildup of plaque on the inner walls of the arteries, reduced blood flow can cause a range of symptoms, including leg pain, cramping, and numbness. As the disease progresses, more serious complications can occur, such as non-healing wounds, ulcer formation, and claudication, which is a condition characterized by cramping pain in the leg induced by exercise.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of PAD, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes. Treatment options for PAD may include lifestyle modifications, medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and surgical or endovascular procedures to restore blood flow to the affected areas. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of PAD. With proper management and care, individuals with PAD can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of complications. Continue reading to learn more about our treatment options
Most treatments for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), especially in the early stages, can be done in-office and are minimally invasive. The goals of treatment are twofold: to manage symptoms, which may involve risk factor modification, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical therapy, and to stop the progression of atherosclerosis throughout the body to lower the risk of major cardiac and limb events. It’s important to note that PAD is typically not treated surgically or endovascularly unless there is a threat of tissue loss or significant impact on lifestyle, health, and well-being.
In many cases, these goals can be achieved in-office, particularly early in the progression of a patient’s PAD. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, and a healthy diet, as well as medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Some patients may benefit from procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy to restore blood flow to the affected areas.
It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of PAD. With proper management and care, individuals with PAD can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of complications.
ProVas is committed to providing our patients with streamlined diagnosis and treatment options for vascular conditions in a convenient and friendly environment. Our in-office surgical suite is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology, and our staff specializes in minimally-invasive vascular treatments. Patients can avoid the risks associated with major surgery, as all of our procedures are minimally-invasive and do not carry the same risk of complications and infection. We strive to keep testing, diagnosis, and treatment in-office as much as possible, simplifying the process for our patients and ensuring they receive the best care possible.
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.
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.
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.
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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition that affects the blood flow to the limbs, usually the legs. PAD is a type of atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits build up inside the arteries, making them narrow and stiff.