What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs when arteries that deliver blood to your arms and legs become narrow or clogged due to atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque, a sticky substance made of fat, cholesterol, calcium and blood, builds up inside the arteries. This plaque blocks blood flow and prevents oxygen from reaching tissue. This can cause pain, sores, or even dead tissue that can lead to strokes or heart attacks.
Symptoms of Peripheral Arterial Disease Include:
- Aching, throbbing legs
- Pain and cramping
- Open Sores or ulcers
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Burning
- Varicose veins
- Skin changes and/or discoloration
- Inability to walk far without rest
- Leg pain that keeps you up at night
- Swelling
- Heaviness or Tiredness
- Restlessness
Atherosclerosis Treatment Specialist in Houston
The PAD procedure is performed entirely through an IV. Vascular radiologist Dr. Maneevese will inject dye through the IV which will show the diseased areas. Using X-rays, she will find which areas need treatment and depending on the severity of disease will use various tools through the IV to open up the vessel, restoring flow.
This is an outpatient procedure and our patients are able to go back to their home to rest the same day.