What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), also known as atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries. PAD can affect any artery outside the heart and brain, but it most frequently affects the arteries of the legs.

What factors may increase the chances of developing PAD?

PAD affects about 27 million people in North America and Europe, with men being at greater risk than women. Factors include:

• Age
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• High levels of homocysteine, an amino acid in your blood
• Weighing over 30 percent more than your ideal weight

What are the symptoms of PAD?

PAD is a progressive disease; however, only 10 percent of patients complain of the classic symptom of discomfort or pain in the legs that occurs when walking, but disappears when resting. About 50 percent of people have a variety of other symptoms such as tightness, heaviness, cramping, or weakness felt with activity. About 40 percent of patients do not experience any symptoms or attribute their symptoms to "old age".

What are the treatment options for PAD?

Treatment options for PAD range from lifestyle changes and medication for mild conditions to surgical and endovascular interventional procedures for more serious cases. Minimally invasive endovascular procedures, also called interventional procedures, are an option to surgery. Interventional medical devices with various methods of action are in clinical use to treat atherosclerotic peripheral arteries. Acutely, the devices may improve blood flow. Long-term, however, these treatments may not endure, in part due to reblockage of the vessels.

The Minnow Medical Peripheral Vascular System™ may offer an endovascular therapy that provides both patients and physicians an alternative for the treatment of PAD.

How does the Minnow Medical Peripheral Vascular System work?

The Minnow Medical Peripheral Vascular System uses a unique catheter technology to deliver precisely controlled, low power energy that reduces and reshapes plaque during a brief procedure. The result is a vessel with increased blood flow while minimizing the damage to healthy tissue.

How is the Minnow Medical Peripheral Vascular System procedure different from balloon angioplasty?

Balloon angioplasty uses the pressure of the expanding balloon to compress plaque against the walls of the artery. This compression stretches the artery and can often lead to damage to healthy tissue.

The Minnow Medical Peripheral Vascular System uses a unique catheter technology to deliver precisely controlled, low power energy that reduces the volume of plaque and allows the plaque to be easily reshaped with the low-pressure balloon. This unique treatment can naturally reduce and reshape plaque while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The result is a vessel with increased blood flow.

What are some benefits this procedure offers over surgery?

Unlike undergoing surgery, the Minnow Medical Peripheral Vascular System is a fast, minimally invasive procedure that could potentially be less traumatic to healthy tissue and result in a quicker recovery time.

Is the Minnow Medical Peripheral Vascular System available now?

The device is currently under clinical investigation by Minnow Medical for use in treating peripheral atherosclerosis. Continue to consult with your physician as to availability.