BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — UAB St. Vincent’s has become the first hospital in the greater Birmingham area to perform a groundbreaking new procedure for patients with severe peripheral artery disease, or PAD.
The procedure uses soundwaves to break up hardened blockages in the arteries of the legs — a method doctors say is safer and more effective than traditional treatments.
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Christopher DeGroat performed the first case at UAB St. Vincent’s, using a technology that works in a way similar to treating kidney stones. Instead of balloons or drills, the new platform sends gentle ultrasound waves directly into hardened calcium to restore blood flow…