Narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs – Lower Extremity Arterial Occlusive Disease – disrupts proper circulation and can cause pain and disability (claudication). Balloon angioplasty and stenting are common methods of treating blocked arteries in the legs. Although angioplasty and stenting are generally very effective initially in relieving the blockage, in about 30-40% of patients, the blockage comes back within the first year or two. This re blocking of the artery is called "restenosis".

The SilverHawk^TM Plaque Excision System is a new, FDA-cleared device for the treatment of blockages in the peripheral arteries.

Plaque excision is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a tiny puncture site in the leg or arm. Angioplasty and stent work by pushing back the fatty plaque against the artery wall, thereby relieving the obstruction. In contrast, the SilverHawk System uses a tiny rotating blade to shave away plaque from inside the artery and remove it from the body. It is hoped that the plaque excision system will reduce the rate of restenosis.

Figure 1 The SilverHawk catheter is inserted into the body through a tiny puncture site and is advanced through the artery to the site of the blockage.		Figure 2 Once the SilverHawk catheter is at the site of the blockage, a tiny rotating blade is activated. The physician advances the catheter through the blockage, shaving plaque off of the inside of the artery walls.		Figure 3 The plaque collects in the tip of the catheter and then is completely removed from the body.

Not all people with blocked leg arteries are candidates for angioplasty, stenting or plaque excision with the SilverHawk^TM system. In some cases, arterial bypass surgery may still be the best option. You should see a doctor that specializes in vascular disease to determine the appropriate treatment for your particular condition. Our doctors diagnose and treat the full range of vascular diseases - if you would like to make an appointment for a vascular disease evaluation with one of our physicians, please click on the "make an appointment" link at the top of the page. We look forward to helping you with your vascular disease concerns.