Device Eliminates the Need for Amputation from Peripheral Arterial Disease

Arteries (blood vessels) carry blood enriched oxygen and nutrients to all cells of the body. 1 This process keeps organs and tissues alive throughout the cellular level in the human body. 10 The inner layer of healthy arteries is not obstructed and smooth to support the flow of blood circulation. When oxygen-rich blood carried by the arteries reaches the capillaries (tiny blood vessels measuring about 10 micrometers in diameter 3), exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide (waste) occurs. The waste rich blood is carried by veins (run parallel next to arteries) back to the lungs and heart. 2 The function of the arteries and veins is part of the circulatory system. 10

Obstruction in arteries or Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) prevents normal flow of blood. 5 Estimated ten million Americans have PAD. 8 Diagnostic tests and symptoms confirm this diagnosis. Normally medication and bypass surgery can correct Peripheral Arterial Disease. 5 Diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease increase the risk by six or seven times for developing coronary artery diseases, heart attack (death), and transient ischemic attack ("mini-stroke") compared to a healthy person. 7 "Twelve to 20 percent of Americans older than 65 suffer from peripheral arterial disease but only one-third are symptomatic." Women are more likely than men to have PAD, since 50 - 90 percent have unrecognized symptoms or any pain when walking, greater risk for serious health consequences: Plaque accumulation in the carotid arteries (supplies oxygenated blood to the head and neck 9) leading to a stroke or heart attack (four times more likely).8 The Avinger "Wildcat" Guide-wire Support Catheter unblocks arteries, especially when traditional catheters may not be able to unblock severely clogged artery, during a minimal invasive procedure. 6

When arteries become narrow or blocked preventing normal flow of blood supply, especially to the arms and legs, referred to as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Most common cause for PAD increased amount of plaque (excessive amounts of cholesterol, calcium and other material in the blood) accumulation in arteries: Hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease include aching, tightness and pain in the calf, thigh or buttock usually after a distant walk. When the condition worsens pain is felt in the foot or toe when not walking. A physician confirms PAD by detecting a weak pulse felt behind the knee, inner ankle, top of the foot and groin. Also, discoloration of the foot after exercise may indicate a blockage of blood flow through the arteries. 4 Risk for developing PAD includes: Over the age of 50, history of high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history of vascular disease (PAD, aneurysm, heart attack or stroke) 8

"A test called an arterial Doppler ultrasound may be done to check the blood flow in your arteries." Blood tests confirm increased level of cholesterol and blood sugar attributed to PAD. Medication maybe prescribed to treat peripheral arterial disease. A procedure called angioplasty or bypass surgery may be required to open a clogged artery by inserting a flexible tube (catheter) through an artery in the groin or arm. If the clogged artery is not severely blocked the procedure has proven to be successful preventing heart attack, stroke and death. 5 Estimated each year 200,000 amputations occur when a blockage in an artery is unable to be unclogged by medication or angioplasty as result of peripheral arterial disease. 11

Preventing peripheral arterial disease starts by eating healthy foods and exercise. Diabetics are especially more prone for PAD (worse amputation) and must carefully watch their blood sugar besides maintaining a well balanced diet. Smokers are advised to quit smoking, otherwise increase the risk for developing peripheral arterial disease. 5

In (February 13) 2009, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new life saving limb device (legs 13) called the Avinger Wildcat Catheter, drills through blood vessels that are completely blocked as result of PAD, method similar drilling for oil. The outpatient procedure requires making an approximate two millimeter incision. 12 The Avinger Wildcat Catheter invented by Dr. John B. Simpson world - renowned cardiologist. 11 During a minimally - invasive endovascular procedure the Wildcat works (under the supervision of doctor) like a corkscrew dislodging the blockage in the artery, observed under x-ray images (as a guide) on a screen in the operating room to track the artery and direction of the device. Once the artery is opened a balloon and stunt is inserted to stretch the artery to remain uncorked. Success of the procedure has resolved the painful steps patients have endured experiencing peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Simpson said: "The patient results are so extraordinary and it's the physician's ultimate fantasy to save somebody's life or to save their limb and this gives us that chance to prevent amputations, which is really extraordinary." 12

Advantage of Avinger Wildcat Catheter opens a blocked artery (within a half hour procedure 12), otherwise would have not been able to be opened by a traditional catheter and thus require the patient to undergo invasive bypass procedure, along with general anesthesia. According to Dr. Simpson this device will prevent amputations (estimated 200 - thousand people this year 12). Patients undergoing Avinger Wildcat Catheter procedure are able to go home soon afterwards and pain free. 11

References:

1) Artery - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artery

2.) Blood Vessels - http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/vessels/arteries.html

3.) What are Capillaries? - http://www.fi.edu/learn/heart/vessels/arteries.html

4.) Perpheral Arterial Disease of the Legs - Overview - http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/peripheral-arterial-disease-of-the-legs-overview

5.) Peripheral Arterial Disease of the Legs - Overview - http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/tc/peripheral-arterial-disease-of-the-legs-overview?page=2

6.) Father of Ballon Angioplasty Chooses Local Vascular Surgeon to Perform the Region's First Procedure - http://www.generalhealth.org/site.php?pageID=415&newsID=80

7.) What is Peripheral Arterial Disease? - http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/pad/pad_what.html

8.) Early Warning symptom for the #1 Killer of Women is Under-recognized - http://www.sirweb.org/patients/peripheral-arterial-disease/

9.) Common carotid artery - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carotid_artery

10.) What is the structure and function of the circulatory system? - http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081127062731AAT5pFh

11.) Father of Balloon Angioplasty Chooses Local Vascular Surgeon to Perform the Region's First Procedure - http://www.generalhealth.org/site.php?pageID=415&newsID=80

12.) New procedure may help prevent amputations - http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/54736607.html

13.) People on the move - http://www.pnj.com/article/20090816/BUSINESS/908160316/1003/RSS04