Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a serious condition where the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This results in reduced blood flow, causing leg pain, difficulty in walking, non-healing ulcers, and in severe cases, risk of amputation.
At Lumina Vein and Vascular center, our renowned vascular surgeon in Bangalore, specialized in minimally invasive PAD treatment including angioplasty, stenting, and bypass surgery. With advanced technology and expertise, they ensures safe, scar-free, and faster recovery for patients.
Causes of Peripheral Artery Disease
- Atherosclerosis (cholesterol/plaque deposits in arteries)
- Diabetes mellitus
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of vascular disease
Signs and Symptoms of PAD
- Leg pain or cramping while walking (claudication)
- Numbness or weakness in legs
- Coldness in lower leg or foot compared to the other side
- Slow-healing wounds, sores, or ulcers
- Change in skin color (pale, bluish, shiny)
- Weak or absent pulse in feet
- Erectile dysfunction in men (sometimes associated with PAD)
- Early diagnosis is crucial. If left untreated, PAD can progress to critical limb ischemia, requiring urgent treatment to prevent amputation.
Diagnosis of PAD – At Lumina Vein and Vascular center
- Clinical examination and pulse check
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) – comparing blood pressure in arms and legs
- Doppler Ultrasound – non-invasive blood flow test
- CT Angiography / MR Angiography – advanced imaging of blood vessels
- Conventional Angiography – gold standard to detect blockages
Advanced PAD Treatment Options
1. Angioplasty (Balloon Procedure)
- A minimally invasive day-care procedure
- A balloon catheter is inserted into the narrowed artery
- The balloon inflates, widening the artery and restoring blood flow
- Provides immediate relief from pain and improves walking ability
Benefits of Angioplasty
• No major cuts or scars
• Quick recovery, often same-day discharge
• Reduces leg pain, improves circulation
• Prevents complications like non-healing ulcers
2. Stenting (Permanent Artery Support)
- Often combined with angioplasty
- A stent (tiny mesh tube) is placed in the artery to keep it open
- Drug-eluting stents prevent re-blockage (restenosis)
Benefits of Stenting
• Provides long-lasting results
• Maintains artery patency (keeps it open)
• Minimally invasive with tiny puncture sites
• Improves mobility and limb health
3. Bypass Surgery (New Pathway for Blood Flow)
- Recommended for severe or multiple blockages
- Uses a vein from patient’s body or a synthetic graft to create a bypass around the blocked artery
- Restores blood flow to legs and feet
Benefits of Bypass Surgery
• Suitable for advanced PAD cases
• Long-term results for severe blockages
• Prevents limb loss and improves quality of life
Angioplasty vs Stenting vs Bypass Surgery – Comparison Table
Feature | Angioplasty | Stenting | Bypass Surgery |
Invasiveness | Minimally invasive (balloon only) | Minimally invasive with stent support | Surgical procedure (more invasive) |
Hospital Stay | Same day / 24 hrs | 1–2 days | 4–7 days |
Recovery Time | Very quick (few days) | Quick (within a week) | Longer (2–4 weeks) |
Best For | Single, short blockages | Recurrent or long blockages | Severe / multiple blockages |
Durability | Good, may need re-intervention | Very good, reduced re-narrowing risk | Excellent, long-term |
Scarring | No scars | No scars | Small surgical scars |
Risk of Restenosis | Higher if done alone | Lower with drug-eluting stent | Lowest |
Why Choose Lumina Vein and Vascular center for PAD Treatment in Bangalore?
- Specialist inangioplasty, stenting, and bypass surgery
- Expertise in minimally invasive vascular surgery with faster recovery
- State-of-the-art facilities at leading hospitals in Bangalore
- Personalized treatment plans for each patient
- Trusted by thousands of patients as the best PAD specialist in Bangalore