UPMC First in Central Pa. to Treat Severe Peripheral Artery Disease with New Minimally Invasive Treatment
By: Malini Mattler
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. is now offering qualifying patients a new minimally invasive treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD). The UPMC team is the first in central Pennsylvania to successfully treat complex PAD by performing this percutaneous arterial bypass (PTAB), restoring blood flow without the need for open surgery. This milestone expands treatment options for patients with complex leg artery blockages, offering a highly selective option for those with no other surgical alternatives.
Treatment for PAD today typically begins with minimally invasive endovascular approaches, such as stents or drug‑coated balloons, designed to open narrowed or blocked arteries. When these options are no longer effective, patients often require open surgical bypass to restore blood flow and help prevent limb loss. However, some patients are not candidates for bypass due to diffuse disease, poor vessel quality or other health conditions that make surgery too high risk.
“This innovative procedure is performed with no incisions, allowing for shorter recovery times and the ability to return to daily activities sooner, all while receiving the highest level of cardiovascular care close to home,” said David Loran, M.D., chief of cardiac and vascular surgery at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa.
An estimated 6.5 million U.S. adults, both men and women, age 40 and older are living with PAD. It occurs when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, often causing leg pain or cramping when walking, numbness or weakness, limited mobility, and wounds that can be difficult to heal. Left untreated, PAD can significantly impact quality of life and increase the risk of serious complications, including limb loss.
The procedure used the new DETOUR System by Endologix, a stent‑graft–based therapy designed for symptomatic patients with long, complex arterial blockages, often representing more advanced or severe forms of PAD, particularly for those who are not candidates for traditional open bypass surgery.
Bringing the therapy to Central Pa. required months of preparation, training and regulatory approval, underscoring the depth of expertise and collaboration among UPMC’s heart and vascular teams. UPMC vascular surgeons carefully evaluate each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and disease complexity. The procedure reflects UPMC’s ongoing commitment to advancing vascular care through innovation, clinical excellence and a multidisciplinary approach.
“This milestone speaks to the dedication of our team and our focus on continuously improving outcomes for patients with vascular disease,” Dr. Loran said. “By offering advanced treatment options that were previously unavailable in our region, we are helping patients preserve mobility, independence, and quality of life.”
UPMC offers vascular screening programs across central Pennsylvania to help identify peripheral artery disease and other vascular conditions. Click here to check if you qualify for free screenings. Screenings are also available at a low cost of $60 for all three screening modalities, providing an accessible option for patients throughout the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa.
The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute in Central Pa. uses a comprehensive, under-one-roof, team-based approach that brings together cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, interventional specialists, electrophysiologists, imaging experts and cardiac rehabilitation teams. This multidisciplinary model allows experts to collaborate on complex conditions that are often difficult to manage in isolation. For more information or to schedule an appointment at the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, visit UPMC.com/CentralPaHeart.
