WKRG.com - Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects about 8 million Americans and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

A common location for blockage of the arteries is at the branching of the aorta into the two large arteries (iliac arteries), which supply blood to the legs. This results in a symptom called claudication which is pain in the muscles of the hips, thighs or calves associated with exercise and relieved by rest. 

A quick, painless vascular study can be done in the office setting to look for hardening of the artieries.  Arterial vascular testing includes looking at the blood pressure in different segments of the legs and arms, and assessing the pulse waves using ultrasound.  In addition, we sometimes produce images of the arteries to identify the location of blockages.

PAD affects 12-20% of Americans ages 65 and older. Despite its prevalence and cardiovascular risk implications, only 25% of PAD patients are undergoing treatment. In the general population, only about 10% of persons with PAD have the classic symptoms of intermittent claudication.

ENDOVASCULAR REVASCULARIZATION

Treatment for blockages in the legs may include minimally invasive procedures, such as balloon angioplasty or placement of stents. Cryoplasty is a new technique used for patients with peripheral vascular disease. During this minimally invasive procedure, wires are passed down the blocked artery followed by a specialized balloon. While using an x-ray machine and dye, the balloon is placed at the exact site of the stenosis or blockage. The balloon is inflated with nitrous oxide, which helps freeze the blocked artery and helps prevent restenosis. This procedure is most often done in the legs, which allows for better circulation to the feet. If these options are not available or have already been performed you may require bypass surgery.