Hospital is one of four in the nation chosen to pilot Boston Scientific TruePath technology
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Parkridge Medical Center is one of four hospitals in the country to offer the new intraluminal TruePath™ CTO Device which allows vascular surgeons to treat difficult and complex blockages in the arteries of patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a circulatory disease caused by narrowing of the arteries of the limbs.
With PAD, loss of circulation in limbs can cause serious pain and can increase the risk of serious infections. In many cases, patients with advanced PAD have to undergo amputation of the affected limb. The TruePath device is typically used to treat PAD symptoms in the larger blood vessels of the legs, where especially tough cholesterol can narrow arteries and block off blood flow to the lower extremities. In cases where an artery is mostly or completely blocked (a CTO, or chronic total occlusion), the TruePath device can help restore blood flow, thus allowing the patient to avoid amputation.
The diamond-encrusted tip of the TruePath device spins at 13,000 rotations per minute (RPM), allowing it to drill through the most difficult blockages. Because the device has a small 0.018” profile rotating at high speeds, it creates a micro-dissection through the occlusion with minimal risk of complications such as embolism. “For patients with especially advanced peripheral arterial disease, this is one of the most effective tools in the toolbox,” notes vascular surgeon Dr. Mark Fugate.
“Patients with extremely advanced peripheral arterial disease are at highest risk for amputation,” explains Dr. Chris LeSar. “TruePath allows surgeons to open up blocked arteries and restore critical blood flow so that limbs can be saved.”
For more information about TruePath, call MedLine at (800) 242-5662.
About Parkridge Medical Center
Parkridge Medical Center has been providing advanced medical and surgical services with compassionate care to patients in the Chattanooga and north Georgia area since 1971. The Parkridge advantage is a focus on service, individualized care and convenience for patients. The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, an American College of Surgeons approved and commended oncology program, offers the latest in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Parkridge, an accredited chest pain center, provides 24-hour emergency care, intensive care, Acute Rehab, surgical services, vascular care, orthopaedics, a sleep disorders center, and comprehensive cardiac care including diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitation services. Parkridge was the first hospital in the region to perform robotic surgery and is home to the area’s most experienced team, having performed over 1400 robotic surgeries. Parkridge Medical Center is a part of the Parkridge Health System.