A man on a couch struggling with the symptoms of peripheral artery disease

Peripheral Artery Disease Procedures

Minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures that may offer relief from peripheral artery disease (PAD) symptoms. PAD, which affects 1 in 20 Americans over 50,1 causes symptoms such as cramps, wounds that won't heal, and poor blood flow to your legs. Find relief today.

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Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

What is PAD?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition that affects nearly 1 in 20 Americans aged 50 and older.1 Though smoking and diabetes are big risk factors for PAD, anyone over 40 can get it. People on dialysis are at the highest risk.

PAD symptoms may be described as having poor blood flow or poor circulation. With PAD, the blood flow to your arteries (also called blood vessels) gets blocked. This blockage is caused by plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol, and calcium. Plaque makes it harder for blood to get to your legs and feet.

The good news is that there are procedures that can open your blocked arteries, improve blood flow, and help get you back to your daily routine.

Who is a candidate for PAD procedures?

If PAD symptoms are causing you pain or discomfort, then our minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedures could be right for you. These outpatient procedures are quick and offer relief from painful symptoms.

You might be a candidate for PAD procedures if you:

  • Have painful cramps in your buttocks, thighs, or legs when you walk or climb stairs that stops after rest
  • Have color changes of the legs when elevating or dangling them
  • Have poor pulses seen by your doctor
  • Have sores, ulcers, or open wounds on your feet or legs that are slow to heal

What procedures help with PAD?

If lifestyle changes and medicine aren’t helping, your doctor may recommend angioplasty, stent placement, or atherectomy. These minimally invasive procedures can help restore healthy blood flow and relieve painful PAD symptoms.

Depending on your needs, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following procedures:

  • Angioplasty: A small balloon is inflated inside the blocked artery to open it up and improve blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
  • Stent placement: A tiny mesh tube (stent) may be placed in the artery after angioplasty to keep it open and reduce the risk of future blockages.
  • Atherectomy: A thin, hollow tube called a catheter is used to shave away plaque buildup inside the artery. This is sometimes followed by angioplasty or stent placement for lasting results.

You will receive medicine to numb the area and help you relax while your doctor accesses the blocked artery through your upper leg. These procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, so you can go home the same day.

What are the benefits of PAD procedures?

Procedures for PAD have many long-term benefits. You will experience improvement in your leg pain and healing of any leg or foot wounds. Other benefits of PAD procedures include:

  • Minimally invasive—no incisions or scarring
  • Same-day procedure—recover quickly at home
  • Improved mobility and circulation
  • Helps you avoid long-term health risks
A woman and a healthcare worker discussing peripheral artery disease procedure
We Can Help

Experts in peripheral artery disease procedures

We put you and your needs at the center of your care. Our team of experts uses the latest imaging technology and minimally invasive techniques to treat peripheral artery disease. Experience relief and get back to your daily routine with a simple procedure and minimal recovery time. Request an appointment at one of our centers to see if one of our PAD procedures is right for you.

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FAQs

Learn more about peripheral artery disease procedures

A couple and a healthcare worker discussing peripheral artery disease procedure

Angioplasty, stent placement, and atherectomy are generally very safe procedures. Some people may experience minor bruising and soreness where the catheter was inserted. Most people feel little pain and heal quickly with better blood flow after one procedure. Follow-ups help us monitor your recovery and determine if additional support is needed. Always let your doctor know if anything feels off. Your doctor will discuss risks and benefits at your appointment.

PAD is a serious condition, but early detection and treatment may slow down or stop the progression of the disease. Waiting too long or not getting treatment can increase your risk for more serious complications, such as chronic infection or gangrene, and may leave amputation as the only option.

Preparing for a PAD procedure is simple. Your doctor may run tests like a clinical pulse exam, duplex ultrasound, ankle-brachial index (ABI), pulse volume recording (PVR), or computed tomography angiography (CTA) scan to check blood flow and decide the best procedure. These tests are painless. We’ll walk you through every step and are here to answer any questions.

Recovery from a PAD procedure is usually quick. A procedure typically takes less than an hour, and most people go home the same day with just a bandage on their leg. Before you leave, we’ll check for bleeding or swelling. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and blood thinners—follow instructions closely. Have someone drive you home, avoid heavy lifting for a few days, and stick to light activity. You’ll be back to your normal routine very quickly.

Our centers take most insurance plans. However, always check with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers and any costs you may incur, such as a co-pay.

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