Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can be a real pain in the leg for patients who don't receive early diagnosis and proper treatment. That is, until now.

Over the past few months, Provena St. Mary's Hospital has introduced two advanced procedures to help patients who have peripheral vascular conditions or poor circulation in their legs (impaired blood flow). Already, the Diamondback 360^TM Orbital Atherectomy System and the CROSSER® Catheter system are making a big difference in many lives.

"These new outpatient treatments have enabled us to help patients whom we weren't able to help in the past," says Mario Massullo, D.O., medical director of the cardiac and peripheral vascular lab at Provena St. Mary's Hospital. "The safety and effectiveness of these interventional procedures are a significant breakthrough in treating PAD, and they have the ability to provide new hope for our patients."

Ron Redenius, age 76, couldn't agree more. The retired draftsman from Bourbonnais was all too familiar with lower leg pain and had endured it for quite a few years - so much so it stopped him from doing everyday chores around the house and other leisure activities that he enjoyed.

In early September, Redenius had orbital atherectomy on both of his legs. Today, he is pain-free, and he's back to walking on his treadmill. "I might even mow the lawn again!" he laughs.

PAD develops when leg arteries become clogged with plaque or fatty deposits that limit blood flow to them. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.

"The build-up of plaque causes the arteries to harden and narrow -- a condition called atherosclerosis -- and results in reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. If left unchecked, narrowing of the arteries can lead to accelerated health problems that greatly impact quality of life and may include the eventual loss of limb," explains Bernie Hinrich, R.N., CCRN, manager, Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Provena St. Mary's Hospital.

Above: The process of repeated sanding and orbital action allows the healthy vessel wall to flex away from the crown reducing the potential for vessel injury. This is referred to as differential sanding. Above: CROSSER Catheter tunnels through a blockage

Orbital atherectomy removes or debulks the build-up of calcified plaque from a blood vessel. The procedure uses a small diamond-coated "crown" to pulverize even the most hardened plaque without damaging the arteries.

Like orbital atherectomy, Provena St. Mary's Hospital introduced the CROSSER Catheter system this year. This procedure is revolutionizing treatment of Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs) or blockages that have completely closed off circulation in arteries in the heart or legs.

Measuring one millimeter in diameter, the CROSSER Catheter tunnels through the blockage, vibrating at 20,000 cycles per second. Once through, the physician then determines the appropriate course of treatment.

Studies show that the catheter has an 80 percent success rate in restoring blood flow and zero risk of puncturing or damaging an artery wall.

"In many patients, this new procedure may prevent a more traumatic peripheral artery bypass surgery, enabling treatment with traditional, minimally invasive techniques such as balloons, stent placements, or atherectomy. These types of interventions can help prevent amputations," says Dr. Massullo.

When the arteries are blocked in the legs, leg pain and non-healing ulcers can result. CTOs are present in almost half of patients who undergo angiographic testing for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) and often lead to bypass surgery or perhaps amputation.

"Having the CROSSER Catheter procedure underscores the commitment of Provena St. Mary's Hospital to bringing advanced peripheral vascular technology close to home for the residents of our communities," Hinrich points out.

Over 12 million people in the United States have PAD. Unfortunately, up to 75 percent of them are unaware that they have the disease, and less than 700,000 are treated for it each year.

People who are at risk for PAD include anyone over the age of 50, especially African Americans; those who smoke or who have smoked; and those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke.

Unfortunately, because the blockages build up over time and symptoms like pressure, fatigue, or pain while walking or exercising come on slowly, many patients adjust to their increasing limitations, attributing them to arthritis or old age. Those who have the disease are up to seven times more likely to have coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, or transient ischemic attack or "mini stroke."

"Patients who have symptoms of PAD should be evaluated immediately," says Michelle Hardesty, RN, BS, CCRN, manager of cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation at Provena St. Mary's Hospital. "The Ankle Brachial Index, a noninvasive test, can provide information about the peripheral health, and treatment or sessions in PAD rehab can help improve quality of life."

Hinrich concludes, "The good news is that PAD is a treatable disease. Orbital atherectomy and the CROSSER system are great steps forward in improving vascular health, well-being, and quality of life."

For more information about PAD, orbital atherectomy, and the CROSSER Catheter system, call Provena St. Mary's Hospital at (815) 937-2137 or go to www.provena.org/stmarys/PAD.

Resource: National Institutes of Health