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PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE AFFECTS NEARLY 10 MILLION AMERICANS. MORE COMMONLYreferred to as PAD, this disease of the arteries does not discriminate. It affects men and women

of any race or ethnicity. While it is more commonly diagnosed in those over 50 years old, PAD can beidentified in people young and old.

Led by Dr. James F. McGuckin Jr., founder and chief executive officer of Vascular Access Centers, thePeripheral Vascular Institute of Philadelphia (PVIP) is on the forefront in treating PAD—a debilitatingcondition that can be successfully treated. According to Dr. McGuckin, “Over the past five years, we haveseen a great number of technological advances that have changed the dynamics of treatment. No longerdo patients require major surgery in order to resume regular activity.”

The Peripheral Vascular Institute of Philadelphiahelps people with PAD retain their independence

By Glori Gayster / Photograph by Michael Sahadi

Taking Stridesprofile

The Peripheral Vascular Institute of Philadelphia helpsthose suffering from peripheral aterial disease, or PAD,which is the narrowing or clogging of the arteries thatcarry blood to the arms and legs.

Dr. James F. McGuckin Jr.

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What is PAD?Simply defined, PAD is a clogging or narrowing of the arteries

that carry blood to the arms and legs. The disrupted flow of blood,which most commonly affects the lower extremities, can causepain, but in many patients PAD may be symptomless. For those whodo show symptoms, they can easily be attributed to other condi-tions or simply a matter of aging. As a result, many cases are neverdiagnosed.

One of the most prevalent signs of PAD is leg pain that strikesduring any physical activity, such as walking or exercising. “Manypatients have to sit down after any physical exertion to alleviate thepain,” McGuckin says. Other symptoms include numbness, tinglingor coldness in the lower legs and feet. Some patients may haveulcers and sores to the lower extremities that do not heal.

Like many diseases, there are certain medical conditions andlifestyle choices that can increase the likelihood of PAD. Smoking isone such risk factor as is high cholesterol, high blood pressure anddiabetes. Those who live a rather inactive lifestyle and do notengage in a structured exercise regimen are also at risk.

“Due to the silent nature of PAD, I encourage those at high riskto be tested,” says McGuckin. “If you are unsure, ask yourself: ‘Areyou able to walk five blocks without stopping? Do you experiencefoot or toe pain that disturbs your sleep? Are your toes or feet pale,discolored or bluish?’ These are just some of the questions found onour quick yes-or-no online questionnaire to help.”

Start walking with ease“With the advancements in arterial therapies related to PAD, there

is no reason to avoid treatment,” McGuckin says. “So many of thosesuffering with this disease simply adapt to the pain or discomfort butthey don’t have to any longer. If you or your doctor think you may havesigns of PAD, it is best to be checked.”

At the initial appointment with PVIP, patients undergo a completephysical and the well-trained staff documents their medical historyand symptoms. This is followed by a non-invasive test that takes lessthan 30 minutes, and results are generally available within 24 to 48hours. Patients whose results show positive for PAD are provided witha recommended treatment plan based upon their individual case.

“Changes in lifestyle, such as smoking cessation and a structuredexercise program, are at times all that’s needed to alleviate symptomsand prevent further progression of the disease,” McGuckin says.

For those who require more extensive therapy, Dr. McGuckin andhis team perform a minimally invasive treatment that combines angio-plasty and stenting. Through a bandage-sized incision at the groin, acatheter is threaded through the femoral artery to the narrow orblocked artery. The blood vessel is opened with a small inflatedballoon and, if needed, it can be held open with a tiny metal stent.Either way, the outpatient surgery is complete within two hours andafter a couple of hours of recovery patients are able to return home. Inmost cases the second leg is done in a subsequent session.

After the treatment, patients may experience mild soreness at the

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site of incision. They will often be prescribed an anti-platelet medica-tion, such as Plavix, and the staff will provide directions for retrainingthe muscles once they are working again. PVIPwill conduct an annual follow-up test to confirmthat no further treatment is needed.

“It is amazing that we can enter through thesmallest of incisions yet do such big things,”McGuckin says.

“When I turned 92, I danced with an ElvisPresley impersonator at my surprise birthdayparty,” says Gaynell Lineberry, a 96-year-oldpatient in Portageville, Mo. “At 95, I was diag-nosed with Peripheral Arterial Disease and didn’tthink I would ever dance again. I had an ulcer on my foot that wouldnot heal, and I was told that I may have to have my foot amputated.After visiting the Vascular Access Center, my foot is now getting theblood flow it needs to heal and I know that my dancing days aren’tover yet.”

About Peripheral Vascular Institute of Philadelphia

As part of the Vascular Access Centers network, PVIP is one of 21locations throughout the United States, providing focused care result-ing in the best possible outcomes. Vascular Access Centers offer analternative setting for vascular procedures, and its professionals are

some of the top experts in their respective field—handling vascularaccess to maintain function, preservation and restoration for each indi-

vidual patient’s condition.In addition to Peripheral Arterial Disease, PVIP

treats patients who require complete catheterservices and new, temporary or tunneled catheterplacement. The team also provides centralvenous access with chest and arm ports, uterine-fibroid embolization and varicose-vein treatment.

“At Vascular Access Centers our goal is toachieve enhanced patient care through clinicalexcellence and unparalleled service,” McGuckinexplains. It’s about improving one’s quality of life

and giving back a patient’s independence.” He adds, “To this day, the joy of saving a person’s foot or leg is

remarkable, and after 14 years my passion continues to grow.” n

Peripheral Vascular Institute of Philadelphia4220 Market Street, Philadelphia 215-240-6007VascularAccessCenters.comMonday - Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GLORI GAYSTER is a freelance writer and marketing professionalbased in South Jersey.