CIS is First in Louisiana to Use Longer Drug-Coated Balloons

Pictured from left to right are Bennett Templet RT, Tyler Perritt RN, Walter Kipp RT, Dr. Nayan Agarwal, and Joe Pierce RT.

ZACHARY- Dr. Nayan Agarwal, interventional cardiologist at Cardiovascular Institute of the South, is the first in Louisiana to use the new, longer Stellarex Drug-Coated Angioplasty Balloon to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the legs. The first procedure took place in the catheterization lab at Lane Regional Medical Center.

Manufactured by Philips, the Stellarex Drug-Coated Angioplasty Balloon now comes in lengths of 150mm and 200mm. This longer balloon allows physicians to treat a larger portion of the diseased artery with the use of only one balloon.

“Access to these new, longer balloons can be crucial for patients with longer lesions in the upper leg,” said Dr. Agarwal. “This broadens our treatment options for patients with peripheral artery disease, and this new technology can be found right here in Zachary.”

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by plaque build-up or blockages in the legs. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, blocked arteries in the legs keep the organs from receiving oxygen-rich blood, which raises the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. PAD is a common and treatable disease, but it is often unrecognized and undiagnosed. Ultimately, PAD can reduce mobility and lead to amputation if left untreated.

Symptoms of PAD in the legs include:

The risk of developing PAD increases with age and is highest for those over 50 years old. Smoking increases the chance of developing PAD three to five times. Other common risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, and a family history of vascular disease, heart attack, or stroke.