UnityPoint Health - Bettendorf Enrolls First Patient in U.S. Trial for New Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatment
Nov 15, 2024
UnityPoint Health is proud to announce the first case of a new treatment for calcified peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the United States was performed at UnityPoint Health Trinity - Bettendorf. The procedure was done October 2024 by Nicolas W. Shammas, MD, MS, Cardiovascular Medicine, PLLC, and Founder and Director of the Midwest Cardiovascular Research Foundation.
“Access to innovative treatments is essential, as it allows us to push the boundaries of care and improve outcomes for patients who otherwise may have limited options,” says Kathy Pulley, director of cardiology services at UnityPoint Health – Trinity. “Patients no longer need to travel far to access advanced care – innovative solutions are available close to home.”
The study will test the effectiveness of a device that uses low intensity, high frequency pressure waves to break up calcified plaque in the arteries and restore blood flow. The study will involve up to 120 patients across 20 locations in the United States. Patients will be monitored for six months.
Lorena Thomas, of Davenport, was the first patient involved in this study. She had three blockages in her right leg, making it difficult to walk and stand for long periods. Thomas says her leg felt like it was burning and would wake her up at night. Following the procedure, Thomas says the pain has gone and she’s getting back to doing what she loves.
“I was worried that my leg pain would prevent me from returning to part-time work,” says Thomas. “I love my job and really wanted to get back, and now I can. At home, I can go up and down the stairs easily, whereas before, I had to stop halfway and wait for the pain to pass.”
Calcified peripheral arterial disease is a type of PAD, which is a narrowing of the arteries caused by excess plaque buildup. When the arteries become narrowed, it reduces blow flow to the arms and legs.
“It’s a serious condition that can greatly impact a person’s quality of life and long-term health. Finding effective ways to treat PAD is crucial, as untreated symptomatic calcified plaque in the lower extremities can lead to restricted blood flow and increase the risk of serious complications,” says Dr. Shammas.
In February 2024, Trinity Bettendorf also hosted the first implant procedure for a new PAD treatment in the United States.
“UnityPoint Health – Trinity is proud to offer a nationally recognized heart center, with patient outcomes that meet or exceed national standards,” says Pulley. “Having access to groundbreaking studies and new technologies is just one way we’re serving our community as the Quad Cities heart hospital.”
For more information, please call Trinity Heart Center.
“Access to innovative treatments is essential, as it allows us to push the boundaries of care and improve outcomes for patients who otherwise may have limited options,” says Kathy Pulley, director of cardiology services at UnityPoint Health – Trinity. “Patients no longer need to travel far to access advanced care – innovative solutions are available close to home.”
The study will test the effectiveness of a device that uses low intensity, high frequency pressure waves to break up calcified plaque in the arteries and restore blood flow. The study will involve up to 120 patients across 20 locations in the United States. Patients will be monitored for six months.
Lorena Thomas, of Davenport, was the first patient involved in this study. She had three blockages in her right leg, making it difficult to walk and stand for long periods. Thomas says her leg felt like it was burning and would wake her up at night. Following the procedure, Thomas says the pain has gone and she’s getting back to doing what she loves.
“I was worried that my leg pain would prevent me from returning to part-time work,” says Thomas. “I love my job and really wanted to get back, and now I can. At home, I can go up and down the stairs easily, whereas before, I had to stop halfway and wait for the pain to pass.”
Calcified peripheral arterial disease is a type of PAD, which is a narrowing of the arteries caused by excess plaque buildup. When the arteries become narrowed, it reduces blow flow to the arms and legs.
“It’s a serious condition that can greatly impact a person’s quality of life and long-term health. Finding effective ways to treat PAD is crucial, as untreated symptomatic calcified plaque in the lower extremities can lead to restricted blood flow and increase the risk of serious complications,” says Dr. Shammas.
In February 2024, Trinity Bettendorf also hosted the first implant procedure for a new PAD treatment in the United States.
“UnityPoint Health – Trinity is proud to offer a nationally recognized heart center, with patient outcomes that meet or exceed national standards,” says Pulley. “Having access to groundbreaking studies and new technologies is just one way we’re serving our community as the Quad Cities heart hospital.”
For more information, please call Trinity Heart Center.
"Access to innovative treatments is essential, as it allows us to push the boundaries of care and improve outcomes for patients who otherwise may have limited options. Patients no longer need to travel far to access advanced care – innovative solutions are available close to home.”
