MIR / Patient Care / Interventional Services / Interventional Radiology / Interventional Procedures / Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

PAD is arterial disease that occurs outside of the heart or brain. The arteries that are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood through the body become narrowed or blocked. PAD most commonly affects the arteries in the legs and, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening conditions, including heart attack or stroke.

More than 50% of patients with PAD do not experience symptoms. Patients with symptoms may experience one or more of the following:

  • Pain when walking, especially calf pain
  • Leg or foot sores that don’t heal
  • Achiness in the leg or legs
  • Skin discoloration
  • Cold legs or feet 

Those with the following are at higher risk of having PAD:

  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • History of smoking
  • High blood pressure 
  • Angioplasty: A catheter is inserted into the affected artery. When in position, a tiny balloon is temporarily inflated which presses the plaque into the walls of the artery to improve blood flow. A stent, or tiny tube, helps to keep the arteries open.
  • Atherectomy: In this procedure, a tiny cutting device at the tip of the catheter removes the blockage. Atherectomy cannot be performed on clots below the knee.
  • Thrombolytic therapy (clot busters): This treatment uses drugs, administered with a catheter, to dissolve clots and improve blood flow.

You can Request a Consultation with an MIR interventional radiologist to learn more. You do not need a referral.

Most insurance carriers cover PAD. Please check with your insurance provider to see if your specific plan covers the procedure.

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