Peripheral arterial disease is the narrowing of any of the peripheral arteries supplying oxygenated blood throughout the body. When these arteries become narrowed this leads to poor blood flow / oxygenation to organs and tissues throughout the body. When tissues and organs lack adequate blood supply damage occurs. At West Michigan Cardiology we offer a variety peripheral arterial disease screening and treatment options. Screening for peripheral arterial disease starts with a thorough physical exam. If indicated ultrasound imaging or ankle branchial indices can be performed in our office. If narrowing is suspected the next step is a CT scan or angiogram.

A peripheral angiogram is a minimally invasive procedure done in the hospital. During this procedure an small catheter is placed in an artery within the wrist or groin. This catheter is advanced up to the affected arteries and contrast dye is injected. This allows the cardiologist to view the affected arteries in real time under fluroscopy. If a severe narrowing is found the doctor will then open the blockage with a specialized balloon. A stent can then placed in the artery to keep it open. Typically patients do not need to stay overnight in the hospital following this procedure.

Peripheral arterial stenting is a less invasive way to treat peripheral arterial disease as opposed to open vascular surgery.