What are my treatment options for PAD?

In the past, treatment for PAD has included exercise therapy, medication, bypass surgery and minimally invasive procedures such as angioplasty.

Today, a new minimally invasive procedure called plaque excision allows the blockage to be removed altogether.  The procedure is performed using the SilverHawk Plaque Excision System, which cleans out the artery by removing the plaque. 

Plaque excision is normally performed through a tiny puncture site in the leg or arm.  The SilverHawk System uses a tiny rotating blade to shave away plaque from inside the artery.  As it is excised, the plaque collects in the tip of the device and then is removed from the patient.