Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease
Minimally Invasive Peripheral Artery Disease Treatment in Stuart, Florida
If you’re experiencing leg pain when walking or slowly-healing wounds, you may be dealing with peripheral artery disease (PAD) – a common but serious circulation condition. At Symmetry Vascular Center in Stuart, Florida, we specialize in diagnosing and treating arterial disease using advanced, image-guided procedures, many of which are performed in the outpatient setting. Our goal is to restore blood flow, reduce symptoms, and help you return to an active, healthy life without major surgery or prolonged hospital stays.
What You Need to Know
What is Peripheral Artery Disease?
Peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries that supply blood to the legs become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup. This disease reduces blood flow to the muscles, especially during activity, leading to pain and fatigue.
An early symptom, intermittent claudication, is characterized by an achy, painful calf muscle that impairs your walking. We are experts at treating intermittent claudication. We will counsel you on lifestyle modifications and medications that can alleviate your symptoms. Disabling claudication can be treated with minimally invasive treatments such as an angioplasty.
When PAD progresses, it can lead to rest pain in the foot that wakes you up at night, nonhealing wounds, ulcers, or even gangrene. These more severe manifestations of PAD, called critical limb-threatening ischemia, need urgent evaluation and treatment to minimize the risk of limb loss. All forms of PAD require attention and raise the possibility of systemic vascular disease.
Common Symptoms of PAD
- Leg pain or cramping when walking or exercising
- Heaviness, fatigue, or weakness in the legs
- Coldness or pain in the feet or toes, especially at night
- Slow-healing sores or wounds on the legs or feet
- Blue or black toes
Causes & Risk Factors for PAD
- Smoking (current or former)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Aging
- Family history of vascular disease
- Sedentary lifestyle
What Happens If Left Untreated
Without treatment, PAD can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, non-healing wounds, infections, and even limb-threatening complications. It also increases the risk of coronary artery disease and cerebral vascular disease, which can lead to heart attack and stroke, respectively. For these reasons, diagnosing PAD and assessing the entire cardiovascular system are critical parts of our work at Symmetry.
Minimally Invasive
Arterial Treatment
At Symmetry Vascular Center, we can treat most peripheral artery disease with minimally invasive endovascular procedures, including angioplasty and stenting. These image-guided treatments open narrowed or blocked arteries from the inside, restoring blood flow without open surgery. Procedures are often performed in our comfortable outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day with minimal recovery time.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive PAD Treatment
- Improved blood flow and circulation
- Reduced leg pain, cramping, and fatigue
- Increased walking distance and mobility
- Lower procedural risk compared to surgery
- Faster recovery with little to no downtime
What to Expect from Arterial Disease Treatment
Treatment for peripheral artery disease at Symmetry Vascular Center begins with noninvasive vascular testing and advanced imaging to pinpoint the location and severity of arterial blockages. When appropriate, minimally invasive endovascular procedures may be recommended, including angioplasty, stenting, or atherectomy.
These procedures are:
- Performed through a small catheter using real-time imaging
- Completed without open surgery or hospital admission
- Typically done under local anesthesia or mild sedation
- Performed in our outpatient center with same-day discharge
Clinical research supports minimally invasive arterial procedures as a first-line treatment for many patients with PAD, showing improved walking distance, enhanced wound healing, reduced pain, and lower complication rates compared to open surgery, especially when treated early.
Comparison
| Category | Office-based Care | Hospital | Surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Minimally invasive | Often invasive | Open surgery |
| Recovery Time | Same-day discharge | Longer stays | Extended recovery |
| Patient Experience | Personalized, we know you, efficient | Depersonalized, you are a bar code, inefficient | High-risk |
| Imaging Guidance | Advanced, real-time | Variable | Not applicable |
| Anesthesia | Local or mild sedation | General Anesthesia | General Anesthesia |
| Focus on PAD | Specialized vascular care | Broad care | Severe cases only |
| Convenience | In-office treatment | Hospital admission | Hospital-based |
Why Us
Symmetry Vascular Center is uniquely equipped to diagnose and treat arterial disease with precision, compassion, and expertise. Our group of four Board Certified/Eligible Vascular surgeons is the largest such group between Miami and Orlando. Our reputation for ethical practice is unmatched, and our results speak for themselves.
Minimally Invasive Expertise
Advanced, image-guided procedures designed to reduce risk and recovery time.
Accredited Diagnostics
IAC-accredited vascular lab for accurate, reliable diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is peripheral artery disease serious?
Yes. PAD is a progressive condition that can lead to serious complications if left untreated, don’t wait.
Are PAD treatments painful?
Our doctors are well-versed in each of the treatments available for patients with PAD. This includes medications, lifestyle changes, minimally invasive treatments, and traditional open surgical methods. Most minimally invasive treatments are well tolerated and performed with local anesthesia or light sedation.
Does insurance cover arterial disease treatment?
Most diagnostic tests and medically necessary PAD treatments are covered by insurance, including Medicare. Our team can help verify your coverage.
Take the First Step Toward Healthier Circulation
If leg pain or circulation problems are slowing you down, you don’t have to live with it. Our team is here to help you understand your condition and explore treatment options that fit your life. Take the first step toward better circulation and renewed mobility by scheduling your arterial evaluation today.