7/27/2007 - Device Shaves Plaque from Arteries to Relieve Painful Legs A walk about the block may not seem difficult to some, but for people suffering from peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it can be painful and challenging. A new procedure is performed at the Cardiovascular Center of St. Helena Hospital to treat the painful symptoms of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The procedure is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment to remove plaque that clogs the arteries of the legs which causes pain and limits one’s ability to walk. Peripheral vascular disease occurs when harmful plaque buildup causes a narrowing of the artery, eventually constricting normal blood flow to the body’s extremities. Just as the arteries of the heart can become blocked, so too the arteries of the legs become narrowed or clogged by plaque, causing painful cramping, tingling, or numbness in the legs and sometimes hips. The new minimally invasive procedure performed through a tiny incision in the groin allows St. Helena Hospital vascular surgeons, cardiologists and radiologists to extract plaque from the artery. The device, called the SilverHawk, developed by FoxHollow Technologies Inc., located in Redwood City, is capable of removing large amounts of plaque without overstretching the artery. Hundreds of milligrams of plaque are routinely removed from the arteries therefore creating an open channel for adequate blood flow. Patients then have better blood flow, less pain and can walk farther. If you would like more information regarding treatment and prevention of peripheral vascular disease call Nia Lendaris at 963-6325. Back