Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD), is a very common condition effecting 12-20% of Americans age 65 or older. PAD develops most commonly as a result of atherosclerosis or "hardening of the arteries", which occurs when cholesterol and scar tissue build up forming a substance called plaque inside the arteries. This plaque narrows and clogs the arteries. This is a very serious condition. The clogged arteries cause decreased blood flow to the legs, which can result in pain when walking and if left untreated, it can eventually lead to gangrene and possible amputation.
MIIGS physicians can open blood vessels at the site of blockages and restore normal blood flow using tiny catheters and other miniaturized tools and X-rays to perform these minimally invasive procedures.
If you think you may suffer from peripheral arterial disease, discuss your symptoms with your physician or simply call one of our MIIGS physicians for a consultation.
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