Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory condition that occurs when arteries in the legs or arms become narrowed or blocked by plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the muscles and tissues. This restricted circulation can lead to leg pain, fatigue, wounds that won’t heal, and in severe cases, even limb loss.
At Clarity Care in Kansas City, our vascular and interventional specialists diagnose and treat PAD using minimally invasive procedures designed to restore blood flow and relieve symptoms — without the need for open surgery.
If you experience any of these symptoms, early evaluation is key. PAD is highly treatable when diagnosed promptly, and minimally invasive options can prevent serious complications.
At Clarity Care, we specialize in angioplasty, a proven, minimally invasive procedure to treat blocked or narrowed arteries caused by PAD.
A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is gently inserted through a small incision in the wrist or groin and guided through the blood vessels to the site of the blockage. Once in place, a small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated, pressing the plaque against the artery walls and widening the artery to restore blood flow. This process is known as balloon angioplasty.
After the procedure, the catheter is removed and pressure is applied to the entry site. Most patients go home the same day and are back to normal activity within a short time — with improved circulation and less pain.
At Clarity Care, our mission is to give our patients relief from painful conditions through non-surgical methods.Our experienced interventional radiologists use advanced imaging and catheter-based techniques to precisely target blockages and restore healthy circulation — safely and effectively.
We pride ourselves on providing:
Our team will guide you through every step of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery — ensuring you fully understand your options and feel supported throughout the process.
Symptoms of PAD may vary depending upon severity and location of the blockage, but most commonly present as:
Procedure options for peripheral artery disease (PAD) depend on the severity of the condition, but often involve:
An angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat blocked arteries. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel through a small incision in the groin or wrist. From there the catheter is carefully guided through the blood vessels until it reaches the site of the blockage.
Once the catheter is in position, a small balloon is attached to the tip of the catheter and inflated. The inflation of the balloon creates pressure against the plaque or blockage, compressing it against the artery walls and widening the artery. This process is known as balloon angioplasty.
The inflation of the balloon may be repeated several times to fully open the blocked or narrowed artery. The highly skilled interventionalists at Clarity Care may also use a technique called atherectomy in which a device is used to remove the plaque or blockage from the artery.
In some cases, a stent may be placed during an angioplasty procedure. A stent is a small mesh tube that is inserted into the artery to help keep it open. The stent is typically placed at the site of the blockage after the balloon angioplasty, and it remains in place permanently, providing support to the artery and preventing it from narrowing again.
Following the procedure, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to prevent bleeding. The patient is usually monitored for a few hours before being discharged.
If you have a narrowing or blockage within your arteries and are experiencing symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD), you may be a candidate for angioplasty. Consult with the experienced healthcare providers at Clarity Care to determine the best course of procedure for your individual needs.
Yes, angioplasties can improve blood flow and relieve symptoms associated with reduced blood flows. As it relates to peripheral artery disease (PAD), angioplasty has been shown to be effective in terms of improving walking distance, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life for many individuals.
The effectiveness can vary depending on several factors, including the severity and location of the blockage, the overall health of the individual, and their response to the procedure. In some cases, the artery can narrow or become blocked again over time, requiring additional procedure or interventions.
Angioplasty is also typically recommended as part of an overall procedure plan for PAD, which may include medication, lifestyle modifications, and medical management.
While considered a generally safe procedure, there is a low possibility of risks when it comes to angioplasty, including bleeding at the catheter site, artery damage, blood clots, restenosis (in which the artery narrows again over time and may require multiple procedures), allergic reaction, kidney damage from contrast dye (especially in those with existing kidney problems), and rarely, infection.
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If you’re struggling with leg pain, poor circulation, or non-healing wounds, don’t wait to seek care. Angioplasty for Peripheral Artery Disease can relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you live without limitations.