Starr Regional Medical Center Offers New Treatment for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Starr Regional Medical Center today announced its cardiovascular team has successfully performed a new treatment option for patients with severely calcified peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and was one of the first facilities in East Tennessee to perform the procedure.

The technology is a novel application of lithotripsy, established on the principles of using sonic pressure waves for kidney stone treatment, and has been miniaturized for use inside the circulatory system. The technology was developed to better treat problematic lesions above and below the knee, including patients with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI).

“The cardiovascular team at Starr Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing patients access to the latest advancements in treating peripheral artery disease,” said Yasir Akhtar, MD, interventional cardiologist at Starr Regional Medical Center. “We are thrilled to offer new treatment options and improve outcomes in patients suffering from PAD above and below the knee, right here in McMinn County.”

Starr Regional Medical Center's experienced cardiovascular team provides diagnostic, interventional and rehabilitative services for a broad spectrum of cardiac and vascular conditions. The hospital, which is an accredited Chest Pain Center, opened its cardiac catheterization (cath) lab and launched an interventional cardiology program in 2023. The providers and technology within the cath lab diagnose and provide treatment for heart blockages and cardiovascular conditions without a commute.

“At Starr Regional Medical Center, we are committed to expanding access to services and investing in new technology and capabilities to meet the needs of our community,” said John McLain, Chief Executive Officer of Starr Regional Medical Center. “By enhancing our cardiovascular services, we support our mission of making communities healthier and ensure the entire region we serve has greater access to life-saving care.”

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, PAD affects more than 8 million people aged 40 and older in the United States. People with PAD are at risk for developing plaque buildup in other arteries leading to and from the heart and brain, increasing their risk of stroke or heart attack.

For more about the cardiovascular services available at Starr Regional Medical Center, including our PAD Rehabilitation program, visit StarrRegional.com/heart.