VALPARAISO – The Cardiac & Vascular Institute at Porter Health Systems has begun using a new treatment option for patients with peripheral artery disease. Laser atherectomy uses a cool laser that vaporizes blockages inside the artery to restore blood flow, said cardiology Sandeep Sehgal.
PAD is caused by arteriosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries that supplies blood to the legs and feet. The American Heart Association said PAD affects 8 to 12 million Americans.
“We have been doing minimally invasive orbital, rotational and directional atherectomy procedures at Porter for a number of years,” said Sehgal. “I consider laser as another tool we are adding to our treatment tool box.”
