About Atherosclerosis and Peripheral Artery Disease
Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of or blockage in your arteries -- vessels that bring blood to your major organ systems and limbs. This narrowing is caused by plaque (a buildup of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) on the inner walls of your blood vessels, which prevents your blood from flowing normally. Often, atherosclerosis has no symptoms. However, it can lead to heart attack, stroke, and amputation.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is atherosclerosis in arteries in the arms and legs. PAD may cause aching, pain, or numbness in the leg muscles when you walk or climb stairs. This is called claudication; it happens when the muscles that are performing the work don’t get enough oxygen-rich blood.
A more severe manifestation of PAD is chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). CLTI causes leg pain even at rest, and it can lead to skin wounds or ulcers.
Tests for Peripheral Artery Disease
Our specialists use advanced screening to identify PAD at every stage.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
The blood pressure in your ankle is measured and compared to the blood pressure in your arm. Meanwhile, an ultrasound device listens to and compares the flow of blood in both areas.
This test uses sound waves to measure the speed of blood flow in your arteries and veins. It also generates images that help determine where blood flow is restricted.
A unique type of ultrasound imaging called duplex ultrasound is specifically designed to assess blood flow and valve function.
CT and MRI
Advanced CT and MRI imaging helps assess damage to your blood vessels. High-resolution images combined with angiography, which uses a contrast dye injected intravenously, can help doctors identify narrowed areas in your arteries.
Minimally Invasive Catheterization (Endovascular) Procedures
When recommending minimally invasive catheterization (or endovascular) procedures, your doctors will consider your blockage type and location as well as your anatomy, other health conditions, previous treatments, and current medications when deciding which approach is right for you. We customize your care with the goal of achieving the best possible outcome with the lowest risk of complications and the easiest recovery.
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to your narrowed artery. Doctors may inject contrast dye through the catheter and/or use intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) -- placing a tiny ultrasound device inside your problematic artery -- to learn as much as possible about your condition before choosing one or more of the following techniques.
Balloon Angioplasty
A small balloon is inflated within the artery to expand a narrowed area or push back plaque. This option opens the narrowed artery quickly, and it does not require a device to be left behind.
Stenting
A tiny tube made of metal mesh called a stent is inserted into the narrowed artery and left there to keep the artery open. This technique restores blood flow quickly and aims for long-term success.
Some stents are coated with medication that helps prevent blood clots from forming in the artery. Newer bioabsorbable stents eventually dissolve, so you only have an embedded device for a limited time.
Atherectomy
Deposits of cholesterol and calcium are removed from the artery using tools like a laser, burr, or drill. This option can increase the success of balloon angioplasty and stenting.
Lithoplasty
A specialized balloon catheter uses sound waves to break up plaque within arteries. This technique is especially effective for tough, calcified blockages that other tools may not be able to treat.
