It’s important to know the symptoms of PAD. The first noticeable symptom of PAD may be intermittent claudication, which is leg discomfort, pain or cramping that develops with activity, is relieved with rest, and recurs upon resuming activity. The pain is often noticed in the calf, but may also be felt in the buttocks or thighs. Intermittent claudication symptoms may also include numbness, weakness, heaviness or fatigue in the leg muscles when walking that are relieved at rest. The pain can be severe enough to interfere with normal walking.
To treat PAD, MTV IR specialists first perform a diagnostic angiogram to get a closer look at the arteries. This procedure may involve placing a catheter into the artery at the groin or wrist, and then injecting a special dye and analyzing the results via X-ray. Once the problem areas have been identified, MTV IR doctors work with the referring physicians to develop a treatment plan. Treatment often continues with a therapeutic angiogram, which may involve a number of different Interventional Radiology procedures such as angioplasty (expanding the narrowed artery by inflating a tiny balloon) or placing a stent to hold the artery open. Other procedures include drug-coated balloon angioplasty, drug-coated stent placement, or atherectomy (to remove plaque buildup that has become calcified and does not respond well to angioplasty or medication). Most arterial interventions at MTV IR are performed as outpatient procedures with no overnight hospital stays required.
If you or a loved one has symptoms common with PAD, see your primary care physician. If you have been diagnosed with PAD, it’s important to know your treatment options. The interventional radiologists at MTV IR offer a safe, effective, almost painless treatment for PAD.