peripheral artery decease = PAD

[Tonynatella]

PAD in the lower legs.

should I let my cardiologist do another angioplasty through the groin after failing to be able to enter any of the 3 completely blocked arteries through the ankle?

Is it time for a vascular surgeon? I understand vascular surgeons have tools cardiologists do not use.

Seeing vascular surgeons this week and will likely cancel the cardiologists appointment.

Thanks Tony

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If I had PAD I wouldn't let a cardiologist near me - that is a vascular surgeon's field and they will do full assessments first. If the arteries are completely blocked then it is more than possible it is impossible to unblock them. And while angioplasty is routinely used it still comes with a risk profile. It can even cause a partially blocked artery to block entirely. If the artery were to be damaged during the procedure then you would need emergency surgery by a vascular surgeon to repair the damage to stop bleeding - this is an artery we are talking about. SO why not let them make the decisions?