First in the World: LVHN Performs Procedure Offering New Hope to Patients Living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

In a groundbreaking advancement for vascular care, Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute interventional cardiologist Shailendra Singh, MD, became the first in the world to perform a peripheral artery procedure using Boston Scientific’s specially designed Sterling™ Balloon Dilation Catheter via the radial artery to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD).

This innovative approach provides a less invasive alternative to traditional angioplasty, which typically accesses the femoral artery in the groin to reach blocked arteries in the legs. Instead, the radial artery, which runs from the wrist to the elbow, was used – allowing for a smaller incision and easier post-procedure recovery.

“Boston Scientific has designed a catheter purpose-built for a radial artery approach,” Dr. Singh says. “It was made to travel a long distance through the body while maintaining the support needed to treat blockages effectively.”

The radial approach can be particularly beneficial for patients who:

• Have undergone multiple previous procedures
• Have existing stents in the femoral artery
• Prefer a more comfortable and quicker recovery experience with a short post-procedure stay

This procedure allows for faster ambulation post-procedure and may reduce the risk for bleeding and access site complications. Additionally, stopping post-procedure bleeding is simpler and safer at the wrist than at the groin, making this a more patient-friendly option overall.

PAD is a condition that occurs when arteries in the arms or legs have a buildup of fatty plaque. This buildup causes the arteries to clog and narrow, reducing the amount of blood flow, oxygen and nutrients to the arms or legs.

PAD can lead to symptoms like painful cramping in your hips, thighs or calf muscles after walking or climbing stairs, a burning pain in your feet and toes when lying flat, frequent skin infection on your feet or legs and sores that won’t heal. As a result, people often experience significant struggles to walk or function normally in their everyday life.

“For the patient in this case, who had an existing stent, this approach provided a safe and effective solution,” Dr. Singh says. “They were able to get up and walk around almost immediately after the procedure – a truly positive outcome.”

The Sterling Balloon Dilation Catheter is FDA-approved for procedures in the legs and is designed for use by interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons and other specialists who treat PAD.

Boston Scientific continues to be a leader in innovative, minimally invasive technologies that reduce health care costs while improving outcomes.

Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute is at the forefront of cardiovascular innovation, offering leading-edge procedures and compassionate care for patients with complex vascular conditions.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 12 million Americans are living with PAD – though it is believed to be underdiagnosed due to reliance on patient self-reporting.