Peripheral Vascular Intervention Specialist

Long Island Heart & Vascular

Cardiovascular Disease Specialists & Endovascular Specialists located in Westbury, South Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and the Bronx NY

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) can cause debilitating pain and other worrisome problems in your extremities, most often your legs. Caused by the same type of plaque buildup that can restrict blood flow to your heart, PAD requires a specialist’s care. Karthik Gujja, MD, MPH, is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and endovascular surgeon who sees patients at Long Island Heart & Vascular in Westbury and Ridgewood, New York. He’s well-known for his skill in diagnosing and treating PAD with minimally invasive procedures that restore blood flow to your extremities. Schedule a visit today. Call the office or book your appointment online.

Peripheral Vascular Intervention Q & A

What is peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

PAD occurs when fatty deposits and plaque build up on the artery walls that transport blood to your extremities (peripheral arteries). This buildup causes narrowing of these vital arteries and eventually prevents them from supplying the blood your extremities require to function normally. PAD occurs most often in the legs but can affect your arms and may cause problems with erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.

What are the symptoms of PAD?

Symptoms may be subtle at first and worsen as the disease progresses. You may notice:

Weakened pulses in your legs and feet
Pain with cramping (claudication) in hips, thighs or calf muscles after walking, climbing stairs, and other physical activities
Numbness or weakness in the legs
Sores on the toes, feet or legs that don't heal
Shiny skin on your legs
One or both feet and legs feeling cold much of the time

As PAD advances, the pain may be present even at rest. You may also notice skin changes that include reddish discoloration, dry and scaly skin, and hair loss or slow hair growth on your legs and feet/toes.

What is peripheral vascular intervention?

Peripheral vascular intervention includes minimally invasive treatments designed to treat PAD by restoring blood flow to the lower extremities, thereby relieving your symptoms.

These treatment options include:

Balloon angioplasty

During a balloon angioplasty, Dr. Gujja uses a small flexible tube (catheter) inserted into the diseased artery to transport a deflated medical balloon to the site of narrowing or blockage. He then inflates the balloon, which flattens the plaque against the artery wall and widens the artery so that it accommodates adequate blood flow.

Stent therapy

A stent is a small, mesh-like device that’s placed permanently inside the narrowed artery through a catheter. This is often done in conjunction with balloon angioplasty. The stent supports the artery walls and keeps the vessel open so that blood flows normally.

Atherectomy (plaque excision)

During an atherectomy, a special catheter is advanced into the artery and used to shave plaque off the artery walls. The debris is removed from the body via the catheter.

For PAD symptoms, schedule a visit with Dr. Gujja today by calling the office or booking your appointment online.