CALDWELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL NOW FIRST TO OFFER MINIMALLY-INVASIVE LASER TREATMENT FOR PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

Laser Ablation System Removes Arterial Blockages to Restore Blood Flow to the Legs

(Lenoir) – April 12, 2007 - Caldwell Memorial Hospital today announced that it is offering a new treatment option for patients suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). In an effort to provide the highest quality patient care Caldwell Memorial Hospital is using Spectranetics’ excimer laser ablation system to restore blood flow in leg arteries.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a cardiovascular disease that restricts or blocks blood flow in the legs. Arterial blockages, or hardening of the arteries, occur when plaque, thrombus or calcium builds up along artery walls and, if left untreated, can lead to sores that do not heal, or heal slowly, gangrene and amputation. Those suffering from PAD are at increased risk for heart disease, aortic aneurysms and stroke, therefore, it is important to recognize early symptoms and seek treatment. Early warning signs may include dull or cramping pain in the buttocks, hips, thighs or calf muscles or numbness or tingling in the leg, foot or toes.

Spectranetics’ excimer or “cool” laser produces pulsed bursts of ultraviolet (UV) light energy that vaporize blockages in the arteries into tiny particles that are easily absorbed into the blood stream. This energy is transmitted along flexible glass fibers encased in catheters, which can be passed through arteries and veins. The UV light energy is then focused on the blockages that need to be treated. By restoring blood flow, limbs can be saved, and patients’ overall well-being can be improved. In contrast to the long recovery time required after bypass surgery, this procedure is performed within one to two hours with only minutes of laser use, followed by one to two days of recovery. Patients experience very little, if any, discomfort during this procedure.

“Nearly 160,000 amputations happen every year that could have been prevented. Amputation is a complicated procedure that changes one’s life forever. Patients should not be subjected to this life-altering procedure when a minimally-invasive treatment option exists to restore blood flow to the legs and feet,” said Dr. Peter Purcell, the endovascular surgeon with The Caldwell Vascular Center, a division of Caldwell Memorial Hospital. “The Spectranetics’ laser ablation system is unlike any other interventional method available. It is quick and effective. Patients are typically back on their feet and pain-free in two days or less.”

About Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral Artery Disease is a serious condition that causes blood vessels in the legs, and sometimes arms, to become restricted or blocked; this may occur suddenly if an embolism or clot develops rapidly in the restricted blood vessels. PAD is progressive and often causes gangrene or tissue death of the affected area if not properly treated. PAD affects approximately 12 million people in the United States. More than half of those suffering from PAD experience leg pain, numbness or other symptoms. Approximately 75% of those suffering go undiagnosed. Many don’t seek medical attention as the symptoms are often overlooked as a typical part of the aging process.

About Caldwell Memorial Hospital

Caldwell Memorial Hospital (CMH) is the private, not-for-profit, community hospital in Lenoir, North Carolina.  A part of the Caldwell County family since 1951, the mission of Caldwell Memorial Hospital is to provide safe, effective, compassionate care and to promote healthy lifestyles to our community.           

Divisions of Caldwell Memorial Hospital include: The Allene Broyhill Stevens Heilman Radiation Oncology Center; The Ambulatory Infusion Center; The Alvin W. Daughtridge Arthritis Clinic; Caldwell FamilyCare Center; Caldwell Internal Medicine & Acute Care Specialists; Caldwell Urology Associates; The Caldwell Vascular Center; The Center for Breast Health; The Center for Diabetes Health; The Center for Joint Care; The Falls Medical Park; Foothills Lymphedema Treatment Center; The George M. Hancock Surgery Center; Main Street Medical Park; Mulberry Pediatrics; The Pain Management Center; Quest4Life Rehabilitation Services; The Quest4Life Wellness Center; Southfork Medical Park; Westpointe Medical Practice; and The William E. Stevens, Jr. Cancer Care Center. Hallmark Family Physicians is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caldwell Memorial Hospital.