PAD occurs when plaque buildup results in narrowing or blockages in arteries carrying blood to the extremities, most commonly the legs. A similar process can also occur in the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys. This is referred to as renal artery stenosis.

Risk factors for PAD include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Elevated cholesterol

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Leg pain, cramping or fatigue with activity that improves with rest
• Leg coolness or discoloration
• Leg numbness or weakness
• Sores on your toes or feet that won’t heal
• Evaluation and treatment of arterial disease

We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of PAD. Our advanced endovascular treatment options are minimally invasive and performed at our state-of-the art cardiovascular pavilion.

• Ankle brachial index
  • A quick, non-invasive test performed in the office to screen for PAD, it involves comparing blood pressure measurements in the arms and legs.
    
    
• Ultrasound
  • Arterial ultrasounds are non-invasive and performed in our office. The study provides pictures and measurements of the arteries and blood flow.
    
    
• Angiography
  • A diagnostic procedure, which can also be therapeutic, angiography is performed under X-ray by inserting a small catheter into the arteries and injecting contrast dye to detect narrowing or blockages. This is an outpatient procedure, performed under sedation at the Mount Nittany Medical Center Cardiovascular Pavilion.

• Angioplasty
  • This is a minimally invasive treatment, which involves inserting a small tube called a catheter into the artery. The catheter has a balloon on the end, which is gently expanded and pushes open the blockage. Angioplasty can be performed alone or in conjunction with atherectomy or stenting.
• Atherectomy
  • This is a minimally invasive treatment in which a catheter with a sharp blade on the end is used to remove plaque from an artery.
• Stenting
  • In this minimally invasive treatment, a catheter with a stent on the end is inserted into the artery. Stents are mesh tubes that are deployed in the artery at the site of narrowing or blockage to keep the artery open.

• All of our vein treatments are performed in the office for your convenience
• Expect to be at our office for about one hour for your treatment but the actual procedure typically takes 30 minutes or less
• Treatments require little to no recovery time and most patients are able to resume normal activities immediately
• Depending on the type of procedure, you may be asked to wear compression stockings for several weeks after your procedure
• You will be given detailed information about post care at the time of your treatment 

Our vein specialists work directly with you to design a customized treatment plan to best achieve your goals. To schedule an appointment, call 814.689.3140 or visit MyMountNittanyHealth.com.