02/26/2026
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when excessive plaque builds up on the artery walls, causing narrowing of the arteries. The arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. When plaque builds up, it usually restricts the flow of blood, oxygen, and glucose. The obstruction causes pain in the leg as the muscles and tissues are starved for oxygen and other nutrients from the blood. While the pain usually occurs in your legs primarily, it can also be felt in other parts of the body, including your arms, stomach, hip, head, and kidneys.
Depending on the severity of blockage, a procedure called an atherectomy may be repeated several times to ensure optimal circulation. For PAD, an atherectomy is a minimally invasive vascular procedure used to remove plaque buildup inside the arteries, improving blood flow to the lower extremities. It is commonly performed to treat peripheral artery disease and reduce symptoms such as leg pain, numbness, or slow-healing wounds.
This treatment helps patients regain mobility, relieve discomfort, and prevent future complications related to PAD.
