WILMINGTON — Dr. Brian Santin of Ohio Vein & Vascular recently performed the first drug-coated balloon angioplasty in Wilmington to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD). He had received approval to bring the new type of angioplasty balloon to Clinton Memorial Hospital (CMH) in the past month.

The new balloon is coated with a special drug, paclitaxel, which inhibits the formation of new atherosclerotic plaque; the same plaque that narrows arteries and decreases blood flow to the legs and feet.

“It is really important for people in this community to know that we are not just ‘doing the same ole’ but rather continue to maintain the highest level of vascular care at CMH and that means bringing in the latest and best techniques available in the U.S.,” Santin said.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is often caused by atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. When the hard plaque becomes large enough, it can restrict the blood flow going down the arteries in the legs and to the feet. One of the most common forms of treating this is a procedure called an angioplasty or ballooning of the vessel. In recent years, there has been the development of special drug-coated balloons that are designed to decrease the incidence of restenosis or repeat narrowing of the arteries.

“It is much less likely that patients will need repeat interventions in the future as we are able to reduce the formation of plaque in their arteries the first time around,” said Santin.

To contact Dr. Santin or to schedule an appointment, stop by the office or call 937-655-VEIN(8346).