Temple First in Philadelphia Region to Offer New Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease

Temple University Hospital is the first in the Philadelphia region to offer an innovative new treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD), a life-threatening condition that affects millions of Americans. PAD causes plaque to build up in the arteries that carry blood to the limbs, head and other organs, creating blockages. PAD can lead to a severe blockage in the arteries of the legs or feet and can cause severe lifestyle-limiting leg pains that could potentially require amputation.

Temple is now offering the Lutonix® 035 Drug Coated Balloon PTA Catheter, the first and only treatment of its kind approved for angioplasty for patients with severely blocked femoro-popliteal arteries due to PAD. The new catheter contains an angioplasty balloon, which re-opens the arteries above the knee, and is coated with a low dose of Paclitaxel. When inflated, the balloon applies the drug to the artery wall, inhibiting the growth of new cells at the site of the angioplasty and reducing the risk of restenosis, or recurrence of the blockage.

Riyaz Bashir, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Temple University School of Medicine, and Director of Vascular and Endovascular Medicine at Temple University Hospital, performed Temple's first procedure using the new device on October 14.

"This technology is a significant advance in the field of vascular disease treatments," said Dr. Bashir. "Not only does this reduce the rate of restenosis, which is a common occurrence with these types of blockages, but it is also more likely to preserve these arteries for other treatment options like bypass surgery. We are pleased to be able to offer this option to our patients."

The Food and Drug Administration approved the new device on October 10.

Editor's Note: Neither Dr. Bashir nor any member of his immediate family has financial interest in C.R. Bard, Inc., the manufacturer of the Lutonix® 035 Drug Coated Balloon PTA Catheter.