Patient Testimonial for Right Superficial Femoral Artery and Stenting

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition that causes narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply blood from the heart to the legs. Atherosclerosis, or the accumulation of fatty plaque in the arteries, is the primary cause of PAD. PAD can affect any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than in the arms.

The classic symptom of PAD is pain in the legs with physical activity that gets better after rest. However, most people with PAD have no leg pain. Physical signs in the leg that may indicate PAD include muscle atrophy (weakness), leg sores that do not heal, and cold or numb toes.

PAD is the most common condition to affect the femoral artery (the large blood vessel that provides oxygenated blood to the lower extremities). The femoral artery is a frequent site of PAD complications and also acts as an access point for many endovascular procedures.

The procedures of angioplasty and stent implantation help in the opening of blocked peripheral arteries. It involves the mechanical dilatation of any narrowed or occluded vessel by means of a balloon catheter and a metal stent.