Shockwave Therapy for Peripheral Artery Disease

Sep 23, 2024

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Submitted by Ryan Beard, MD, William Newton Cardiology, and Sarah Johnson, William Newton Hospital Director of Marketing, Strategy, & Communications

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common vascular condition affecting the lower extremities such as legs, ankles, or feet. The arteries in the legs become narrowed, reducing blood flow. This can cause pain, cramping, or even tissue damage. According to the National Institutes of Health, around 10 million Americans over the age of 40 have PAD. Since September is PAD Awareness Month, it's an ideal time to discuss innovative treatments like shockwave therapy.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to break up calcium deposits in arteries. These deposits can build up within the arteries that supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your legs. By disrupting these deposits, shockwave therapy can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms of PAD.

How is Shockwave Therapy Used in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab?

Shockwave therapy is typically performed in a cardiac catheterization lab. A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery, usually in the groin or arm. The catheter is guided to the affected area, and the shockwave energy is delivered through the catheter.

Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?

Many patients describe shockwave therapy as feeling like a series of mild pokes or snaps. There may be some discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated. What Benefits Can Patients Experience After Having Shockwave Therapy? The benefits of shockwave therapy for PAD can vary from person to person. However, many patients experience:

• Reduced pain and cramping in the legs
• Improved walking distance
• Enhanced quality of life

Other Treatments for PAD

In addition to shockwave therapy, there are other treatments available for PAD, including:

1. Medications: To help manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood clotting.
2. Lifestyle changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation can significantly improve PAD symptoms.
3. Angioplasty: A procedure to open narrowed arteries using a balloon and stent.
4. Bypass surgery: A more invasive procedure that involves creating a new pathway for blood to flow around blocked arteries.

Shockwave Therapy: A Promising New Option

Shockwave therapy is a promising new treatment for PAD, especially for patients with highly calcified arteries. It can be performed in the cath lab at the H. L. Snyder Medical Foundation Surgery Center in Winfield. This technology can help improve the success rate of angioplasty procedures.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like leg pain or cramping, especially when walking, it's time to talk to your healthcare provider. A quick, painless test can help determine if you're at risk. If you’re already struggling with PAD, be sure to discuss the latest treatment options available with your doctor.

Editorial Notes: This article was submitted for the "Weekend Check-Up," a regular health column in the Cowley CourierTraveler penned by employees and friends of William Newton Hospital. Dr. Ryan Beard is William Newton Cardiology’s full-time interventional cardiologist serving the greater Cowley County area. He is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.