Peripheral Arterial Interventions and Endovascular therapy

Peripheral Arterial Interventions and Endovascular therapy at Palm Beach Cardiology Center

Peripheral artery disease is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your limbs.

When you develop peripheral artery disease (PAD), your extremities, usually your legs, don’t receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This causes symptoms, most notably leg pain when walking (intermittent claudication).

Peripheral artery disease is also likely to be a sign of a more widespread accumulation of fatty deposits in your arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition may be reducing blood flow to your heart and brain, as well as your legs.

Peripheral Arterial Interventions and Endovascular therapy Q & A

What are peripheral arterial interventions?

Peripheral arterial interventions are minimally invasive procedures used to treat blockages or narrowing in the peripheral arteries, which are the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. These interventions aim to restore proper blood flow to the limbs and other parts of the body affected by peripheral artery disease (PAD).

What is endovascular therapy?

Endovascular therapy is a type of minimally invasive procedure used to treat vascular conditions by accessing the blood vessels through small incisions or punctures. It often involves the use of catheters, balloons, and stents to repair or open blocked or narrowed arteries.

Why would I need peripheral arterial interventions or endovascular therapy?

These procedures are commonly recommended if you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease, such as pain or cramping in the legs, non-healing wounds, or decreased mobility. They are used to improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, and reduce the risk of complications such as limb loss or severe infection.

How are peripheral arterial interventions performed?

During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel, usually through a small incision in the groin or arm. The catheter is guided to the affected artery, where it may be used to perform angioplasty (inflating a balloon to open the artery), stenting (inserting a mesh tube to keep the artery open), or atherectomy (removing plaque from the artery).