Leg pain or nonhealing foot sores can be caused by PAD.
ARA offers minimally-invasive, highly successful treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that will bring relief from swollen legs, distended veins, and circulation-related ulcers.
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Peripheral artery disease treatment uses interventional radiology techniques to restore circulation, most commonly to the legs.
Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is a condition in which the arteries are not delivering enough blood to the legs because of plaque collection or other substances that narrow or block the artery. This means that the tissues of the legs are not getting enough oxygen. The earliest symptom is leg pain or cramping while walking that improves when resting. As symptoms progress, you may have more pain which can become severe. A person with a very advanced case of PAD may also have wounds that develop from a minor injury that won’t heal or such severe disease that amputation has to be considered.
Most people are aware that arteries can develop plaque and blockages that affect your heart and put you at risk of a heart attack. The arteries in your legs can suffer from the same disease. The same risk factors for coronary artery disease that affect your heart, namely smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and lack of exercise can also lead to blockages in the arteries in your legs.
Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians who deliver minimally invasive treatments for peripheral arterial disease with less risk, less pain, and less recovery time than traditional surgery. Your condition will most likely be evaluated before the procedure using CT, ultrasound, or MRI.
Angioplasty Angioplasty uses inflatable devices called balloons to open up narrowed arteries. Various types of balloons are used in different situations, including balloons that stretch arteries open, metal-edged balloons that cut and break up calcium deposits, and drug-coated balloons that can prevent scarring and future narrowing of the artery.
Stenting Stenting uses small metal mesh tubes to hold open narrowed arteries. Various types of stents are used, including two main categories:
Atherectomy An atherectomy uses a tiny catheter inserted into a blood vessel to navigate to and remove hard arterial plaque. The catheter features a metal tip that shaves away arterial material and opens the vessel, allowing blood to flow. An atherectomy is especially useful in cases where blockages occur around arterial branches or in areas not easily fit with stents.
Thrombolysis Thrombolysis delivers medication slowly, over 12-24 hours, to a blood clot through a thin tube that is inserted next to or within the clot. This treatment is usually done in an emergency because the body has not had enough time to respond by growing new blood vessels to bypass the blockage. The patient is hospitalized during the treatment and will be watched by nurses and doctors in the intensive care unit. Often, the clots will be dissolved but the artery will still be narrowed and additional treatments may be required.
Thrombectomy When a blood clot suddenly blocks blood flow, a treatment known as a thrombectomy will remove the clot from the body using various medical tools that can draw out, pull out, or dissolve the clot. The method chosen depends on the preference of the physician and the location of the clot.
Peripheral arterial disease treatment also includes imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, angiography, CT angiography, MRI angiography and ultrasound. Please refer to sections about these techniques for further details.
If you have peripheral arterial disease, you may have symptoms, such as:
If you have any of these symptoms, and a diagnosis of PAD is confirmed, your doctor may recommend treatment.
What are the benefits and risks of peripheral arterial disease treatment?
Benefits
Risks
To schedule peripheral artery disease treatment please speak with your doctor and call our interventional team at (512) 467-9729. A provider referral is required to make an appointment.
You can also request a consultation online.
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Many people who have leg pain and cramps may not know that they...