Endovascular Treatment
What is it?
Endovascular treatments are minimally invasive procedures that are done inside the blood vessels and can be used to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is a common type of vascular problem in the leg, aorta or carotid.
Peripheral arterial disease occurs when these blood vessels become narrowed or blocked with plaque over time – a condition known as atherosclerosis.
When is it needed?
Interventional treatment becomes necessary for PAD when patients’ symptoms, such as pain or tissue loss, develop due to the loss of circulation. Typically, endovascular treatments are used after patients have failed conservative therapy, such as medication and supervised exercise, and are experiencing a limitation in lifestyle due to their disease, such as being unable to work.
An endovascular procedure is performed inside your artery using a thin, long tube called a catheter. Through a small incision in the groin, the catheter is then guided by the surgeon to the blocked area in the blood vessel.
Dr Tsotetsi works with patients on a case by case basis to determine whether an endovascular treatment approach is the best option for them. He will assess the risk and benefits of each therapy, taking into account the patient’s arteries, his or her physical condition, and how comfortable the patient and the physi8ician feel with the various options.