Percutaneous Peripheral Intervention
Percutaneous peripheral intervention (PPI) is a category of medical procedures used to open narrowed or blocked coronary and peripheral arteries that are restricting blood flow. PPI methods may be deemed necessary to address plaque buildup in any non-cardiac artery and are excellent treatment options for those who struggle with peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Peripheral intervention procedures are minimally invasive, granting patients shorter recovery times and peace of mind. USA Vascular Centers provides PPI treatment for PAD to help alleviate the symptoms and prevent the disease from progressing.
When is Percutaneous Peripheral Intervention Performed?
PPI procedures are typically performed when there is a blockage in a peripheral artery or when blood flow has been restricted due to a narrowed artery. PPI may be recommended when plaque buildup has become significant enough to cause pain and to impact one’s quality of life.This type of procedure is commonly utilized for peripheral artery disease patients, especially when accompanied by symptoms of leg pain. Vascular specialists may provide the recommendation to avoid more invasive treatments.
How is a Percutaneous Peripheral Procedure Performed?
PPI procedures are performed by inserting a catheter, a flexible thin tube responsible for transporting fluid, into the blocked artery. A small incision is made into the skin and the catheter is threaded into the area that is blocked.
The details and process of the procedure will vary based on which peripheral intervention procedure is being performed. There are three dominant types of PPI procedures, which are performed at USA Vascular Centers: atherectomy, angioplasty, and stent placement.
Atherectomy is a procedure where a blade is attached to the tip of the catheter to scrape away the plaque. This opens up the artery to allow normal blood flow by removing the majority of plaque causing the blockage.
Angioplasty is a procedure to open the artery by using a balloon attached to the catheter which goes to the site of the blockage. The balloon is then inflated to open the artery by pressing the plaque buildup against the walls.
Stent placement opens narrowed or blocked blood vessels by placing a stent inside the artery to keep it open. In this procedure, a catheter is inserted into the affected artery to widen the opening and a mesh stent is secured into place to ensure it is permanent.
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Percutaneous Coronary Intervention vs. Percutaneous Peripheral Intervention
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a procedure performed on the coronary arteries which have narrowed or been blocked by plaque buildup. These arteries are located outside the heart, and their job is to bring oxygen-rich blood to the heart. If they become narrowed or clogged by plaque buildup, blockage can lead to serious complications. PCI is often recommended to relieve symptoms of coronary artery disease or to reduce damage to the heart after a heart attack.
Percutaneous peripheral intervention (PPI) is specifically performed on the peripheral arteries located in the limbs, most commonly in the legs. Peripheral arteries are responsible for taking oxygenated blood to the arms and legs. When these arteries narrow from plaque buildup, it becomes more difficult for blood to get transported to the limbs. As a result, you may experience pain in your legs, especially during physical activity when your muscles need more oxygen to exert energy.
Pain during activity is one of the most common symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD can worsen over time and significantly impact mobility. PPI is often recommended to reduce the symptoms of PAD and prevent progression of the disease.
Percutaneous Peripheral Intervention for PAD
USA Vascular Centers offers percutaneous peripheral intervention treatment for patients who suffer from PAD. Our vascular specialists perform minimally invasive procedures, like angioplasty or stent placement, to open up the arteries, normalize blood flow, and source the much-needed relief they deserve.
PPI is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to return home the same day. Percutaneous peripheral intervention can reduce PAD-associated symptoms, which include:
- Leg pain during physical activity
- Weakness or numbness in legs
- Heaviness in legs
Schedule Treatment with USA Vascular Centers
It may be possible to reduce symptoms of PAD and prevent progression of the disease with a percutaneous peripheral intervention procedure. The vascular specialists at USA Vascular Centers will work with you to develop a treatment plan that can alleviate your symptoms.
Schedule a consultation online or call 888.773.2193 for an appointment. Get the help you need to regain your mobility and improve your quality of life.
