News & Updates

Dr. Philip Brown introduces new procedure to Wilmington area

October 28, 2009

Dr. Philip Brown recently completed a very successful case using one of the latest medical devices on the market to treat Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) called the Diamondback 360 Atherectomy Device.

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a life-threatening condition in which a fatty material called plaque builds up on the inside walls of the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs and arms. The build-up of plaque causes the arteries to harden and narrow – a condition known as atherosclerosis – reducing blood flow to the legs and feet.PAD can cause claudication; heavy, tired or painful legs and feet.If allowed to progress, PAD can lead to Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI), which may result in amputation of the leg.There are three main approaches to treating PAD: lifestyle changes, medication and in some cases, special procedure or surgery.

Symptoms: The patient is an 85 year old male suffering from claudication (pain in the legs) in the left calf.This condition limits the patient’s lifestyle and mobility due to the pain in his calf while walking.

Diagnosis: The patient has PAD and was previously treated on his right leg.He now has blocked or blood flow limiting arteries in the left leg due to plaque and/or calcium.The blood flow was not reaching the muscles in the lower leg, as in this case the calf, making the muscles cramp and the patient was experiencing severe pain while walking.

Findings: In the arteriogram (diagnostic x-ray photos) of the patient’s left leg, Dr. Brown found a calcium plaque in the left popliteal artery behind the knee.

Course of action: To perform the Atherectomy procedure(removing the calcium in the popliteal artery of the left leg.),Dr. Brown usedthe Diamondback 360 Orbital Atherectomy System.The Diamondbackmedical devicehas a small diamond encrusted crown on the end of a catheter that is inserted through a minor hole in the groin and advanced to the treatment area.Dr. Brown was able remove the calcium in the artery basically by “sanding” it away using the Diamondback.

Outcome: After removing the calcium plaque the patient’s blood flow returned to the lower part of the leg and it will help reduce the pain associated with walking therefore increasing his mobility and quality of life.He has done very well in follow-up.

Benefits of Diamondback: This procedure is a great option because it is minimally invasive using endovascular techniques through a small puncture in the groin versus the surgeon having to perform an open surgery thus promoting an easier recovery. The procedures is normally performed in an Outpatient Setting where the patient is able to come in for the procedure and return home the same day.

The Diamondback Atherectomy device is technology proven to be extremely safe and effective at removing plaque and calcium in the arteries of the legs. This procedure also helps patients suffering from leg and foot ulcers and wounds with the potential to save a patient from amputation when the blood flow can be restored in the legs and feet to heal the wounds.



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