When Parkridge Medical Center vascular surgeon Dr. Chris LeSar saw multiple dangerous artery closures in the MRI taken of 62-year-old Gary Smith’s left leg, he decided to treat them with a minimally invasive procedure designed to ‘sand’ plaque from inside the artery without affecting the artery itself.
Parkridge Medical Center is the only hospital in the area to offer the Diamondback 360 atherectomy for the treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease, a condition in which the arteries of the arms and legs are blocked. The procedure uses a tiny diamond tipped rotating head to gently sand away tough plaque and create a large opening to restore blood flow. The procedure offers hope to patients seeking an effective alternative to surgery or amputation.
A diabetic who suffers from neuropathy, Smith recalls that before his Diamondback procedure, “I couldn’t walk to my mailbox without being completely out of breath and in extreme pain.” He also had a sore on his left foot that would not heal. “It’s been hard for me,” he noted. “I’d always been a fairly active person and my condition really put a damper on a lot of the things I used to enjoy.”
Smith arrived in Dr. LeSar’s office hoping for relief for his condition, and he found it. “I recently had my 6-month checkup with the doctor,” said Smith, “and he said that my arteries are looking good – there is good blood flow and they are not closing back up.” Smith is feeling the positive effects of improved circulation in his leg. “Now, I can walk further without as much pain, and the wound on my foot is finally starting to heal.”
For more information about the Diamondback atherectomy, 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 our focus on service, individualized care and convenience for our 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 robotics surgery and remains the most experienced team, having performed over 1100 robotic surgeries. Parkridge Medical Center, and its facilities Parkridge East and Parkridge Valley, is a part of the Parkridge Health System.