Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a  condition that  is caused by the build-up of plaque in the arteries that carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The plaque can harden over time, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow. PAD most commonly affects arteries in the legs, and when present in the upper leg, greatly increases risk of a sudden heart attack or stroke. People with PAD may experience symptoms, such as leg pain, or serious complications, including skin ulcers or gangrene. Existing options for treatment of PAD  include exercise, drug therapy, and other options within the artery, such as non-drug coated PTA, bare-metal or drug-eluting stenting, or surgical bypass.

Drug eluting balloons and stents used for opening blocked arteries in heart patients are now being used to save the limbs of patients suffering from Peripheral artery disease (PAD).The balloon is coated on its outer surface with the drug paclitaxel, which may help to prevent recurrent narrowing of arteries (restenosis) after the procedure The procedure was successfully carried out at the vascular surgery department of a major hospital in Delhi. This saved the leg of a 47 year old manual labourer who was suffering from blockage of three arteries of his leg. Two of his arteries were opened improving the circulation with healing of wound. He would have to otherwise undergo a below-knee amputation.

The success of this procedure has come as a big hope for diabetics who often suffer from blockage of vessels due to deposition of fat in their arteries. Heart patients and those suffering from hypertension or stroke are also at higher risk of developing PAD.

To know more about the latest update on this treatment protocol and treating centers offering the same as well as for getting your reports reviewed, post a query