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SilverHawk Technology Removes Deadly Plaque From Arteries

Approximately 12 million Americans suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a serious condition that results from the accumulation of plaque in arteries, most commonly in the legs and pelvis.  

MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland uses the newest technology – the SilverHawk™ Plaque Excision System – for the treatment of PAD by carefully removing plaque from the blocked artery. 

PAD occurs when plaque buildup causes a narrowing of the artery, constricting normal blood flow to the body’s tissue and organs. If left untreated, it increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation and even death.

New Technique Treats Disease Through Tiny Incision

SilverHawk procedure imageInterventional radiologist Rami Safadi, M.D., says “This minimally invasive procedure is performed through a tiny incision in the leg or arm. The SilverHawk catheter is advanced through the artery to the site of the blockage.  Once the catheter is at the site of the blockage, a tiny rotating blade is activated to shave away plaque from the inside walls of the artery.”

Dr. Safadi concludes, “As the plaque is shaved away, it is collected in the tip of the device and then removed from the patient.”  

According to Dr. Safadi, this is the first technology of its kind to remove significant amounts of plaque from arteries.  It consistently removes hundreds of milligrams of tissue to restore healthy blood flow. 

Previously the common way to treat PAD is to use a stent within the clogged artery, propping the artery open and helping to prevent re-clogging.  However, some types of blockages pose challenges to stent therapy, which commonly does little to actually remove plaque from the artery.  

Symptoms of PAD

PAD often goes undiagnosed because patients may dismiss their symptoms as part of the normal aging process.  However there are screenings and tests to determine if a patient has PAD.  

Symptoms of PAD can include:

  • Dull, cramping pain in the hips, thighs, calves, or buttocks
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg, foot or toes
  • Changes in skin temperature or coldness to the touch’
  • Changes in skin color to the bluish or reddish color
  • Impotence
  • Sores or infections that do not heal
  • Weakness in legs or arms

For More Information

If you have questions about Peripheral Arterial Disease, talk with your physician or call MidMichigan Health Line for a physician referral at (800) 999-3199.

 

SilverHawk™ is a trademark of FoxHollow Technologies, Inc. Illustration used by permission from FoxHollow Technologies.