Dr. Heuser speaks about a new PAD treatment

Radial First is a cardiac catheterization procedure performed through the patient’s radial artery, located on the wrist. 

The radial artery is located close to the surface of the skin resulting in less trauma to the body during insertion. Because the radial artery is smaller and located in the wrist, it responds quickly to simple pressure. This technique is proven to be safer and more comfortable for patients and has better long-term results than traditional methods. In addition, using the Radial First approach enables most patients to immediately get out of bed and move around following the procedures, which provides them great comfort and a faster recovery period. Dr. Heuser introduced this technique to Arizona in 1994.

 Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is characterized by damage or narrowing of the blood vessels. The disease is also frequently referred to as peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The two terms are typically used interchangeably.

One in every 20 Americans over the age of 50 is affected by PAD. This figure equates to approximately eight to 12 million Americans. PAD can increase risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. In some patients, peripheral artery disease requires treatment.   In 2016 Dr. Heuser and his team performed the first Pantheris™ treatment for PAD in the Southwest. The Pantheris lumivascular atherectomy system is a new FDA-approved technology that is revolutionizing PAD treatment in Phoenix and beyond. It is the first image-guided atherectomy device of its kind.