Rose Medical Center becomes first hospital in Colorado to perform new procedure for PAD patients

Nov 12 2014

Rose Medical Center is the first hospital in Colorado to perform a new and innovative procedure for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Utilizing the Lutonix ^® 035 Drug Coated Balloon PTA Catheter, surgeons are able to perform a balloon angioplasty in patients with PAD using a special drug-coated balloon (DCB) that delivers a small amount of medication to the inside walls of the diseased portion of the artery.

The medication on the DCB helps prevent the tissue from scarring, slowing the additional buildup of plaque in the artery that often occurs after arterial tissue is scarred from this procedure. As a result, balloon angioplasties performed using the Lutonix ^® 035 Drug Coated Balloon PTA Catheter last longer, and patients experience the benefits of this procedure for a longer period of time.

"Through the use of drug-coated balloons, we can now offer patients throughout Colorado a safe and more effective treatment for PAD," says Dr. Sameer Mehta, director of interventional cardiology at Rose Medical Center, who performed the first procedure in Colorado. "The use of DCB can help thousands of Coloradoans who may otherwise continue to suffer from this debilitating disease."

According to the American Heart Association^® an estimated 8.5 million Americans are affected by PAD. Defined as a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, PAD restricts or blocks the flow of blood to certain areas of the body. Symptoms of patients with PAD may include cramping, pain or tiredness in the extremities. In severe cases, untreated PAD can lead to heart attack, stroke, gangrene and amputation. Most cases of PAD can be managed if diagnosed and treated properly.

"Rose is committed to bringing innovations in care to our patients, and we are excited to be the first hospital in Colorado to offer this new treatment option to our patients," said Dr. Vijay Subbarao, medical director for the Heart & Vascular Center at Rose. "The Lutonix ^® 035 DCB is a new first-line therapy for treating blockages without closing the door to other treatment options down the road, an important consideration as we help our patients manage this painful and progressive disease."

SOURCE Rose Medical Center