What is peripheral arterial disease / chronic limb ischemia?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition where the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the legs and arms become narrowed or blocked. This happens when a buildup of fatty deposits known as plaque on the artery walls restricts blood flow to the limbs, causing pain, numbness or weakness.
In more severe cases of PAD, a person may develop chronic limb ischemia (CLI). CLI means there is not enough blood reaching the limbs, leading to persistent pain, slower wound healing or even tissue damage that can result in ulcers or gangrene.
Understanding your options
Interventional radiology can help with CLI through various minimally invasive procedures. One common procedure is angioplasty, during which an interventional radiologist uses medical imaging to guide a small balloon and a thin tube called a catheter to the blocked artery. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, pushing aside the plaque and opening the artery. Sometimes a stent is placed to keep the artery open.
Another procedure is called atherectomy. This involves using specialized tools, like a rotating blade or laser, to remove or break up the plaque within the artery and restore blood flow. These interventional radiology procedures help improve blood flow to the affected limbs, reduce pain, promote wound healing and minimize the risk of amputation.
Additionally, interventional radiologists may use other techniques, such as thrombolysis, where medication is delivered directly to the clot to dissolve it, or bypass grafts, creating a new pathway to bypass the blocked artery.
Our goal as your care team
