Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) involves atherosclerosis mainly in the extremities, especially in the legs and feet that lead to ischemia. Untreated, PAD can progress to critical limb ischemia (CLI), also called chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), which will lead to foot or leg amputation. The mortality rate for these CLI amputees is 70% within three years. There is currently an epidemic of PAD and CLI in the U.S. The majority of patients are defined by health disparities concentrated in the Black, Latino, Native American populations in both rural and low-income urban areas. A large number of PAD patients have other comorbities, with diabetes being one a primary issue.

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Medicare now covers non-invasive peripheral artery disease treatment

Medicare now covers a supervised exercise therapy for peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to CMS, a decision that will likely result in other insurers following this example.

Three daily servings of fruits, vegetables could reduce chance of peripheral artery disease

In a massive study that included more than 3.7 million people, researchers found more evidence supporting what we already know: Fruits and vegetables are good for you. Furthermore, the work found they may help prevent peripheral artery disease (PAD).

FDA clears Medtronic’s catheter for use in the peripheral vascular system

The FDA cleared the TrailBlazer angled support catheter Sept. 23 for use in the peripheral vascular system.

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TCT.15: Drug-coated balloon is superior to PTA in patients with peripheral artery disease

After two years of follow up, patients with peripheral artery disease who received a drug-coated balloon had significantly higher primary patency and a significantly lower rate of clinically driven target lesion revascularization compared with patients who received conventional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

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