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Why choose Geisinger for peripheral artery disease treatment?

Think you have symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD)? You want to get an accurate diagnosis — fast. And if PAD is limiting your mobility or causing pain, you want a treatment plan that fits your life. 

As the area's largest vascular program, our vascular specialists use advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat PAD at every stage. And because blood flow problems can affect more than your legs, cardiology, nephrology and primary care teams work together to support your overall vascular health. Many treatments use small incisions, which mean less pain and a shorter recovery, so you can get back to your day-to-day activities sooner. 

To request a consultation with a PAD specialist, ask your primary care provider for a referral.

Treatments and services we offer

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FAQs

What’s peripheral artery disease?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your muscles, typically in the legs and feet. It’s usually caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Other causes include blood vessel inflammation, radiation exposure and injury.

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

Symptoms include leg pain, cramping, numbness, coldness in the lower legs or feet, slow-healing sores, brittle and slow-growing toenails, hair loss on legs and feet and changes in skin color.

How do you diagnose peripheral artery disease?

Your care team may use a physical exam, ankle-brachial index (ABI), ultrasound and CT scans to evaluate blood flow and look for narrowed arteries.

How do you treat PAD?

Treatment depends on how severe the PAD is and your overall health. Your care plan may include lifestyle changes, medication, minimally invasive procedures and surgery.

What procedures treat peripheral artery disease?

Several minimally invasive procedures can help improve blood flow and relieve PAD symptoms.

  • Balloon angioplasty: A small balloon is inserted into the artery using a catheter. The balloon expands to press plaque against the artery walls and improve blood flow.
  • Stenting: A small mesh tube called a stent is placed inside the artery to help keep it open and improve circulation.
  • Endovascular surgery: This minimally invasive procedure uses small incisions and catheters to access and treat blocked blood vessels.
  • Laser therapy: Laser treatment uses focused light energy to help open blocked arteries without surgical incisions.
 

What are the risk factors for peripheral artery disease?

Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity and age, as well as a family history of vascular disease, can all increase your risk of PAD.

Peripheral artery disease care at Geisinger

Your vascular specialists focus on improving circulation, relieving symptoms and lowering your risk for serious complications. We offer:

  • Advanced diagnostic testing: Vascular labs and imaging technology identify narrowed or blocked arteries so your doctor can create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • Minimally invasive procedures: Many PAD treatments use catheters and small incisions to shorten recovery time and reduce discomfort after treatment.
  • Integrated specialty care: Vascular specialists work closely with cardiology, nephrology and primary care teams when PAD is connected to other health conditions.
  • Specialized endovascular suites: Advanced imaging technology lets surgeons perform image-guided vascular procedures and image-guided techniques at the same time. This way, you only have to undergo anesthesia and recover once.