Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can be treated with several procedures aimed at improving blood flow, primarily known as revascularisation treatments.
When addressing blockages or narrowings caused by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), medical professionals often recommend procedures to restore proper blood flow. These interventions, often referred to as revascularisation treatments, are key to managing PAD symptoms and preventing complications.
Based on common medical approaches, there are two primary types of procedures used to treat PAD by improving blood flow:
Angioplasty
One common procedure is angioplasty. This is a less invasive method compared to traditional surgery.
- Procedure Overview: During angioplasty, a specialist uses a thin tube (catheter) with a tiny balloon attached. This catheter is guided to the blocked or narrowed section of the artery.
- How it Works: The blocked or narrowed section of artery is widened by inflating a tiny balloon inside the vessel. The inflation of the balloon pushes the plaque against the artery walls, opening up the vessel. Often, a small mesh tube called a stent is placed afterwards to help keep the artery open.
Artery Bypass Graft
A more involved surgical option is an artery bypass graft.
- Procedure Overview: This is a traditional surgical method that reroutes blood flow around the blocked area.
- How it Works: Blood vessels are taken from another part of your body (like a leg vein or an artery from the chest or arm) or sometimes a synthetic tube is used. This vessel is then attached to the blocked artery, connecting blood flow from above the blockage to below it. This used to bypass the blockage in an artery, creating a new path for blood to flow.
Both angioplasty and artery bypass grafting are considered forms of revascularisation treatment for PAD, aiming to restore adequate blood supply to the affected limbs. The choice between these procedures depends on factors such as the severity and location of the blockage, as well as the patient's overall health.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Procedure | Type of Intervention | How it Works | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Angioplasty | Minimally Invasive | Widens blocked artery with a balloon; often includes stent placement. | Generally quicker |
| Artery Bypass Graft | Surgical | Creates a new path for blood using another vessel to bypass the blockage. | Generally longer |
These procedures are crucial steps in managing moderate to severe PAD symptoms that are not effectively controlled by lifestyle changes or medication alone.
