New Laser Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease at Halifax Health
Dr. Utpal S. Desai,
surgeon
Halifax Health is now the first in the area to offer a new treatment option for people with peripheral artery disease (PAD): the Spectranetics® excimer laser ablation system, which offers physicians a minimally invasive technique for restoring blood flow in the leg arteries.
PAD is a cardiovascular disease that
restricts or blocks blood flow in the legs. It
can lead to sores that won’t heal, gangrene
and amputation. It also increases the odds
of heart disease, aortic aneurysms and
stroke. Early warning signs of PAD include
dull or cramping pain in the buttocks,
hips, thighs or calf, as well as numbness or
tingling in the leg, foot or toes.
Minimally Invasive Benefits
PAD is often treated with bypass surgery. But minimally invasive treatment with the Spectranetics system can mean a shorter recovery time and reduced discomfort for patients.“This technology is at the forefront of treatment for PAD,” said Utpal S. Desai, MD, a surgeon with Coastal Cardiovascular and Thoracic Associates. “The laser can obliterate blockages without worrying about sending plaque down the leg.”
