What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that occurs when there is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries in the legs, arms, or pelvis. PAD can cause pain, cramping, or fatigue in the muscles of the affected limbs and can progressively become worse without proper treatment.
What are the typical symptoms of peripheral artery disease?
It is important to note that some people may not display the signs and symptoms of PAD, or may have very mild symptoms that they may not associate with the condition. This is why it is important to be aware of the risk factors for PAD and to talk to your physician at Vive Vascular about screening and prevention.
What are the lifestyle impacts of peripheral artery disease?
Peripheral artery disease can have significant impacts on a person's lifestyle, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. As a result of the pain and fatigue in the legs, people with PAD may become more sedentary, which can lead to additional health problems. It is important for people with PAD to remain physically active, as regular exercise can improve circulation of blood and reduce symptoms.
In addition to physical activity, lifestyle changes that can help manage PAD include:
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Quitting smoking
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Healthy diet
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Managing other health conditions
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Medications
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Regular medical check-ups
PAD can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, but with proper management and lifestyle changes, many people with PAD are able to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
What lifestyle advantages can a patient experience in their day-to-day life after having endovascular or minimally invasive treatment for peripheral artery disease?
Patients who undergo endovascular intervention for peripheral arterial disease can experience significant improvements in their quality of life and daily functioning. The primary goal of endovascular intervention is to improve blood flow to the affected limb, which can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, cramping, weakness, and numbness.
Some of the lifestyle advantages that patients may experience after endovascular intervention for PAD include:
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Increased mobility
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Reduced pain and discomfort
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Improved wound healing
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Reduced risk of amputation
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Improved quality of life
Consult with one of our vascular physicians at Vive Vascular to see what is the best treatment option for you.
What are the endovascular or minimally invasive treatment options for peripheral artery disease?
Angioplasty
This is a common minimally invasive procedure for treating PAD. A small balloon is inserted into the blocked artery and inflated to open up the vessel and improve blood flow.
Drug coated
balloon angioplasty
Atherectomy
This is a procedure in which a drug-coated balloon is used to deliver medication to the inside of the blocked artery to prevent it from becoming blocked again after standard angioplasty.
This is a procedure in which a catheter with a rotating blade or laser is used to remove plaque buildup from the inside of the blocked artery to improve flow.
Stenting
This procedure involves inserting a small metal mesh tube (stent) into the blocked artery to hold it open and improve blood flow.
Thrombectomy
This is a procedure in which a catheter is used to remove a blood clot from the blocked artery.
At Vive Vascular, we determine the most appropriate treatment option for each individual patient based on the location and severity of the blockage, as well as the patient's overall health and medical history.
If endovascular intervention is not an option or not ideal for a patient, multiple alternatives are available for the treatment of peripheral artery disease.
Bypass Surgery
This procedure involves rerouting blood flow around a blocked or narrowed artery using a graft made from a vein or synthetic material.
Aneurysm Repair
This procedure involves repairing or replacing a weakened or bulging section of an artery that has formed an aneurysm.
Endarterectomy
This is a surgical procedure in which the plaque buildup inside a blocked artery is removed to improve blood flow.
Amputation
In severe cases of PAD, amputation may be necessary to remove a severely damaged or infected limb.
Surgical options for PAD are typically reserved for patients who have more advanced disease or who are not good candidates for endovascular treatments. We will evaluate you thoroughly to help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.