The major arteries of the peripheral vascular system supply blood and nutrients to every part of the body, including the brain, heart, and kidneys. Peripheral vascular disease occurs when fatty substances or cholesterol in the blood cause blockage in the arteries, restricting blood flow.

At the Heart and Vascular Institute at Western Medical Center/Anaheim, cardiologists use minimally invasive techniques to intervene and re-open blocked arteries. Small catheters, sophisticated devices, and imaging equipment allow the physicians to remove blockages.

Physicians insert a catheter using imaging equipment to guide it through the vascular system. Once the catheter is in place, one or more of the following interventional devices my be used to clear the blockage:

• Atherectomy - A rotating, burr-like device located at the tip of the catheter that “shaves” the blockage from the artery
• Angioplasty - A balloon-like- device inserted through the catheter and inflated to open up the artery and compress the blockage into the arterial walls
• Stent - A wire mesh tube inserted through the catheter and expanded to open up the artery and provide extra support to arterial walls.