Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Treatments
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when the arteries in the legs become narrowed or blocked. This restricts blood flow and causes pain, cramping, and, in severe cases, non-healing wounds or tissue damage. If left untreated, PAD can lead to critical limb ischemia (CLI), increasing the risk of amputation.
PAD treatment options focus on restoring circulation, relieving symptoms, and preventing serious complications. At Vegas Vascular Specialists, we offer minimally invasive and surgical treatments to improve blood flow and help patients maintain mobility and quality of life.
Angioplasty, Stenting & Atherectomy – Minimally Invasive PAD Treatment
Angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy are minimally invasive procedures designed to restore circulation, relieve pain, and prevent serious complications in patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) or Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI).
These treatments open narrowed arteries, reducing the risk of ulcers, infections, and potential amputation.
- Angioplasty (widening the blocked artery): Once at the narrowed or blocked area, a tiny balloon at the tip of the catheter is carefully inflated. This pushes the plaque against the artery walls, widening the vessel and improving blood flow. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the artery more open.
- Stenting (keeping the artery open): If the artery is at risk of collapsing or re-narrowing, a small metal mesh tube (stent) is inserted and expanded at the site of the blockage. This scaffold keeps the artery open long-term, allowing continuous blood flow. The stent remains permanently in place to prevent further narrowing.
- Atherectomy (removing hardened plaque when needed): A tiny rotating blade or laser-tipped catheter removes plaque from the artery walls when severe plaque buildup obstructs blood flow. This clears the artery and improves blood circulation before or after angioplasty and stenting.
Who It’s For:
- Patients with PAD or CLI who are experiencing leg pain, cramping, or non-healing wounds.
- Individuals with arterial blockages affecting mobility or causing rest pain.
- Those who may not tolerate open surgery due to other health conditions.
Benefits of Angioplasty, Stenting & Atherectomy:
- Minimally invasive: No large incisions, shorter recovery time.
- Faster relief: Improves circulation, reducing leg pain and cramping.
- Outpatient procedure: Most patients go home the same day.
- Avoids major surgery: Reduces risk compared to bypass surgery.
Long-Term Management After Angioplasty, Stenting & Atherectomy
These minimally invasive procedures restore circulation in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). While these treatments effectively open blocked arteries, long-term care is necessary to maintain blood flow and prevent re-narrowing (restenosis).
- Routine imaging and follow-ups: Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography (CTA), or MR angiography are used regularly to monitor stent function, check for restenosis, and assess overall artery health.
- Medication management: Patients typically require antiplatelet therapy (aspirin or clopidogrel) to prevent clot formation and cholesterol-lowering medications (statins) to slow plaque buildup.
- Blood pressure and diabetes control: Managing hypertension and blood sugar levels helps protect arteries from further damage and reduces the risk of re-blockage.
- Healthy lifestyle habits: A vascular-friendly diet, regular walking, and smoking cessation are critical for maintaining blood flow and preventing disease progression.
- Monitoring for symptoms: Patients should report returning leg pain, cramping, new wounds, or cold sensations in the foot, as these could indicate the need for further intervention.
With routine follow-up and proactive vascular care, angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy provide long-term relief, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of complications.
Bypass Surgery – A Long-Term Solution for Severe Blockages
For severe PAD cases where angioplasty, stenting, and atherectomy are insufficient, bypass surgery offers a durable solution to restore blood flow. This procedure reroutes circulation around a blocked artery, ensuring the leg receives adequate oxygen and nutrients.
A healthy vein or synthetic graft is used to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery, creating a new pathway for circulation. The graft is surgically attached above and below the blockage, allowing blood to bypass the diseased section and restore adequate oxygen and nutrients to the limb.
Who It’s For:
- Patients with severe PAD or CLI who are at risk of amputation.
- Individuals with long or complex arterial blockages who are unsuitable for angioplasty.
- Those with non-healing ulcers, gangrene, or severe circulation issues.
Benefits of Bypass Surgery:
- Long-term solution: Provides lasting improvement in blood flow.
- Reduces amputation risk: Helps prevent limb loss in high-risk patients.
- Improves healing: Supports recovery of non-healing wounds.
- Effective for severe disease: Ideal when stenting or angioplasty is insufficient.
Long-Term Management After Bypass Surgery:
Since this procedure creates a new pathway for blood flow, ongoing care is essential to maintain graft function and prevent new blockages.
- Routine imaging and follow-ups: CT angiography, MR angiography, or Doppler ultrasound are performed regularly to assess bypass graft integrity and ensure proper circulation.
- Graft maintenance: Patients may require lifelong antiplatelet therapy (aspirin or clopidogrel) to keep the bypass open and prevent clot formation.
- Cardiovascular health management: Controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes reduces strain on the graft and prevents the progression of vascular disease.
- Healthy lifestyle habits: A balanced diet, consistent walking or supervised exercise, and smoking cessation improve circulation and support long-term graft success.
- Monitoring for symptoms: Patients should report leg pain, non-healing wounds, foot discoloration, or increased swelling, as these could signal graft complications or reduced blood flow.
With ongoing monitoring, risk management, and lifestyle changes, bypass surgery provides a long-lasting solution, helping patients maintain mobility and prevent amputation.
Why Choose Vegas Vascular Specialists for PAD Treatment?
At Vegas Vascular Specialists, we provide advanced PAD treatments using minimally invasive and vascular medicine surgical techniques to restore circulation and prevent limb loss. Our fellowship-trained vascular medicine surgeons tailor treatment plans to each patient, focusing on long-term success and improved quality of life.
We collaborate with wound care specialists, podiatrists, and referring physicians to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals at risk of PAD complications.
Take the next step and request an appointment now, or call (702) 565-8346.
To learn more about this condition, visit our Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) page.