Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment

Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD, is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to the legs become narrowed or clogged due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque. The disease limits blood flow to the tissues of the legs, which can cause pain with exertion. Also referred to as Peripheral Vascular Disease, PAD can occur in anyone; however, it is more common in men and women over the age of 50. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Most patients with PAD can be treated through minimally invasive endovascular methods.

A similar disease state is atherosclerosis which is the hardening of arteries caused by plaque build-up or fatty deposits on the walls of the arteries. This is a disease that can affect the entire body and is the most common reason for visceral artery disease. Visceral Artery Disease, or Mesenteric Artery Disease, is when the mesenteric arteries become occluded (blocked) and the blood supply is limited to the intestines, spleen, and liver. This disease can be treated by angioplasty and stenting.

Treatment

Angioplasty and Stenting
Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vascular blockage(s) or narrowing and to improve blood flow. Under X-ray guidance, interventional radiologists thread a catheter, or tiny wire, through a blood vessel to make necessary repairs. The physician may choose to inflate a balloon within the artery, shave away the material (atherectomy) causing the blockage or narrowing, or place a stent (metal device) in the artery to hold it open. Newer technology is drug-coated balloon angioplasty, which is useful in preventing a blockage from returning.

Thrombolytic Therapy
This treatment is used if the blockage in an artery is caused by a blood clot. Thrombolytic drugs that dissolve clots are infused through a catheter to eliminate the clot and restore blood flow.