Intravascular lithotripsy for calcified arteries in peripheral arterial disease
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Description
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is caused when a build-up of fatty substances (plaque) in the arteries restricts blood supply to parts of the body, usually the legs. The plaque can harden (calcify) and become like bone. If PAD is severe, the affected part of the body can die, needing amputation or causing the person to die. In this procedure, a long, thin, flexible tube called a catheter with a balloon at the end is inserted into the affected artery (intravascular). Ultrasound pulses are sent from the balloon to soften the calcified plaque (lithotripsy) and allow the artery to widen. The catheter and balloon are removed and sometimes a small metal tube, called a stent, is inserted to help keep the artery open. The aim of the procedure is to improve the blood flow and prevent amputations or death.
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