Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
PAD occurs when arteries supplying the legs become narrowed, usually because of fatty plaque build-up. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol increase the risk.
Symptoms
Leg pain during walking that improves with rest, cold feet, reduced pulses, numbness or wounds that heal slowly. Severe disease can threaten the limb.
How interventional radiology treats it
Angioplasty uses a balloon to widen the narrowed artery. A stent may be inserted to help maintain blood flow. The procedure is performed through a small catheter entry point under imaging guidance. Walking programmes, prescribed medication, smoking cessation and diabetes management help reduce future complications.
Whether this treatment suits you depends on your scans and overall health. A consultation is the first step.
Your doctors
Talk to an interventional radiologist.
Bring any scans or reports you have. We’ll tell you whether this treatment is an option.