Pantheris First-Ever Image-Guided Atherectomy Device Is Designed to Empower Physicians to Precisely Remove Plaque While Avoiding Disruption of Healthy Arteries

BATON ROUGE – Today at Baton Rouge General, Dr. Satish Gadi, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS), performed one of the first image guided procedures for PAD – a condition caused by a build-up of plaque that blocks blood flow in the arteries of legs or feet.

The new device, Avinger’s Pantheris™ lumivascular atherectomy system, is an innovative image-guided therapy that, for the first time, allows physicians to see andremove plaque simultaneously during atherectomy, a minimally-invasive procedure that involves cutting plaque away from the artery and clearing it out to restore blood flow.

Because the Pantheris device incorporates real-time optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging on a therapeutic catheter – like having a small camera on the tip of the device – physicians are able to remove this plaque more precisely than ever before, with less risk of damage to the artery walls, avoiding scarring that greatly increases the risk of restenosis, or re-narrowing of the artery. In the past, physicians have had to rely solely on X-ray as well as touch and feel to guide their tools when treating arterial disease. 

For patients, this safe and more-precise treatment may potentially reduce the need for follow-up procedures and stents.

“Peripheral arterial disease is a common, but serious condition that can greatly impact quality of life, with symptoms such as cramping, numbness, discoloration and pain,” said Dr. Gadi. “We are excited about the availability of the Pantheris technology, which is a significant step forward for the treatment of the condition, enabling a more precise and safe removal of the plaque.”

Clinical results confirm that the technology is safe and effective.  In addition, this radiation-free technology may help minimize radiation exposure to clinicians and patients by decreasing use of fluoroscopy.

Peripheral arterial disease is caused by plaque build-up or blockages in an area of the body outside of the heart such as the legs, neck or arms.  The blockages keep extremities and organs from receiving oxygen-rich blood.  And just like clogged arteries in the heart, blocked arteries in the legs raises the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.  Ultimately, PAD can reduce mobility and be fatal if left untreated. 

Many people lose limbs each year due to peripheral arterial blockage, but CIS believes that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disability and save limbs and lives.  A world-leader in treating PAD, CIS has extensive experience in utilizing interventional procedures to save limbs.

Symptoms of PAD include:

• open ulcer/wound on the bottom of your foot that does not heal
• pain in the feet or legs that goes away with walking
• severe cramping in your calf after exercising that goes away immediately when stopping
• discoloration of the legs/feet
• numbness or coldness in legs/feet
• pale, shiny skin

PAD is caused by the same risk factors that lead to heart disease.  Those at risk include anyone over the age of 50, especially African Americans; those who smoke or have smoked; and those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or a personal or family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke. 

A simple, painless ultrasound can test the blood flow in your legs to determine your risk of PAD.  If you think you may be at risk, consult with your doctor or call CIS in Baton Rouge at 225-908-0247.