ACS Medical College

Endovascular Management of Peripheral Vascular Disease: A Lifesaving Approach By Dr. Karthikeyan Damodharan | Interventional Radiologist

On 13th June 2025, I had the honor of speaking at ACS Medical College during a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program on Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD). My lecture focused on the endovascular (minimally invasive) management of PVD, a critical yet often overlooked medical challenge in India.

The Silent Epidemic: PVD in India
Peripheral Vascular Disease affects millions of Indians, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Many patients suffer from:

• Leg pain while walking (claudication)
• Non-healing wounds
• Gangrene leading to amputations
• Many patients suffer from:
• Leg pain while walking (claudication)
• Non-healing wounds
• Gangrene leading to amputations

Why Early Diagnosis & Treatment Matters
PVD is more than just leg pain—it’s a sign of systemic atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Early detection and intervention can:
✅ Prevent amputations
✅ Improve mobility and quality of life
✅ Reduce cardiovascular risks

Endovascular Therapy: A Game-Changer
Gone are the days when open surgery was the only option. Today, minimally invasive endovascular treatments offer:
🔹 Angioplasty & Stenting – Opens blocked arteries through a pinhole
🔹 Atherectomy – Removes plaque from blood vessels
🔹 Drug-coated balloons – Prevents re-blockage

These procedures are:

• Safer than surgery
• Faster recovery (patients walk the same day!)
• No large scars or general anesthesia

The Way Forward: Awareness & Collaboration
The key to reducing amputations lies in:
📢 Public awareness – Recognizing early symptoms
👨Physician education – Encouraging vascular screenings
💡 Adopting advanced endovascular techniques

I was thrilled to see great enthusiasm among the medical students and doctors at ACS Medical College. With better awareness and access to minimally invasive treatments, we can save limbs and lives across India.

Let’s Work Together to Fight PVD!

If you or someone you know has leg pain, non-healing wounds, or diabetes, consult a vascular specialist or interventional radiologist at the earliest. Early action can save a leg—and a life.