Pictured from left to right are Jason Prather RT(R); Carol Michaud, RN; Ankur Lodha, MD; Erica Stelly, RT(R); Amy Wager, Surmodics Clinical Field Specialist and Angi Henson, RN.

LAFAYETTE – Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) is the first to use the Sublime™ Radial Access .018 Rapid Exchange (RX) Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) Dilatation Catheter by Surmodics to treat peripheral artery disease, or blockages in the legs.  The procedure was performed by CIS interventional cardiologist, Dr. Ankur Lodha, at the CIS office-based lab in Lafayette. 

This catheter has the longest-working length in the industry to facilitate treatment for arteries both above and below the knee using a transradial approach through the wrist. It combines an exclusive shaft construction with a 220 cm Serene™ hydrophilic coating technology designed to provide improved pushability, trackability, and crossability. RX balloon catheters have a guidewire along only a short section rather than having to advance a guidewire through the full length of the catheter.

“Sublime balloon Rx catheters will allow physicians to treat the most distal blockages in the foot with just radial access,” explained Dr. Ankur Lodha, interventional cardiologist. “This will help us to perform more complex interventions via this approach which was not possible before.” 

Peripheral artery disease, or PAD, occurs when plaque buildup causes the arteries of the legs to narrow, constricting blood flow. Symptoms include leg swelling, pain, cramping or ulcers. If you think you may have PAD, schedule an appointment with a CIS cardiologist near you.

###