Peripheral Artery Disease Treatments
Nonsurgical PAD Specialists in Katy
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a vascular disease of the arteries providing flow to the legs that occurs when fat, cholesterol, or calcium build up in the blood and lead to poor circulation in the legs. This can result in symptoms of lower extremity pain when walking, foot or ankle ulcerations, or gangrene. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and older age (above the age of 65).
Management of patients with PAD involves therapies to improve limb symptoms and to reduce the risk of lower extremity amputation or future cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks or strokes. Preventative therapies include treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure, smoking cessation programs, diet, lifestyle modification, and medications to lower cholesterol and clotting events. Invasive revascularization procedures to open or bypass blockages can help improve symptoms, improve wound healing, and prevent amputations.
Dr. Rafiei is an expert in minimally invasive treatment options for PAD and believes in the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for treatment of patients with PAD to include your primary care provider, podiatrist, and wound care specialist. With a focus on patient outcomes, he will provide or coordinate the best treatment option for your disease.
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Peripheral Arterial Intervention
Peripheral arterial intervention encompasses various procedures aimed at treating arterial disease and improving blood flow to the legs and other extremities. One common technique is angioplasty, where a small balloon is inflated inside the narrowed artery, compressing the plaque against the arterial wall and widening the vessel to restore proper blood flow. In some cases, a stent—a small mesh tube—is inserted into the artery to keep it open, preventing re-narrowing. Another approach is atherectomy, a procedure in which a catheter with a rotating shaver or laser is used to remove the plaque from the artery, allowing for better blood flow. These interventions are typically performed by interventional radiologists or vascular surgeons in a specialized catheterization lab. Benefits of peripheral arterial interventions include relief from pain and cramping, improved mobility, faster wound healing, and a reduced risk of amputation. Moreover, these minimally invasive procedures often have shorter recovery times and lower risks compared to traditional open surgeries, providing patients with a more effective and less invasive option for managing arterial disease.