Each year, millions of people receive treatment for PAD. With minimally invasive procedures like balloon angioplasty and stenting, you may only have to stay one night in the hospital. That means you can get back to the activities you enjoy sooner.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

You can do a lot to control peripheral arterial disease by taking medication, changing your diet, and making other lifestyle changes. When those changes aren't enough, your doctor may suggest balloon angioplasty or stenting, two of the most common minimally invasive treatment options.

Here are some of the factors that could help determine whether you're a good candidate for these treatment options:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history
• Your cardiovascular condition
• The condition of your peripheral arteries
• The location of the blocked artery
• How easily the blockage can be reached by angioplasty
• The level and severity of blockage in the artery
• The results of a series of related tests and examinations

Under certain circumstances, if your heart is weak, or if you have other diseases and conditions that effect your health, such as diabetes, your physicians may suggest another form of therapy. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and recommend the best option for you.

More: Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty
More: Balloon angioplasty
More: Stenting

Your Healthcare Team

If you’re a candidate for peripheral arterial disease treatment, your physician will be involved at every stage of the procedure. Depending on the therapy, the team may consist of interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, nurse practitioners, and other specialists as needed.

More: Your healthcare team

Surgery: What to Expect

After a physician discovers a blockage in your lower limbs, you'll have time to learn about your surgery, what to expect, and how to prepare. Take time to learn about the therapy options available so that when your physician explains the surgery, you will be familiar with the procedure being discussed.

More: Surgery - What to expect

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