A MINIMALLY invasive procedure could be better for patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common condition that leads to the narrowing of arteries.
A new study shows interventional radiology, which uses minimally invasive, image-guided procedures, is more cost-effective and has more benefits for patients than invasive bypass surgery.
Patients who underwent bypass surgery spent close to a week longer recovering in hospital (10.25 nights) than those treated using an endovascular approach (3.77 nights) and were more likely to require follow up treatment.
Interventional radiology patients also experience fewer infections and no significant difference, compared to bypass patients, in the need for additional treatment in the twelve months following the procedure.
The research shows hospital-related costs were almost 70 per cent less than costs associated with bypass surgery.
Lead research Gerard Goh presented the research at The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists 67th Annual Scientific Meeting in Perth on October 20.
Dr Goh, Interventional Radiologist at The Alfred Hospital Melbourne and adjunct senior lecturer at Monash University, said the results of the study could help Australian patients and their specialists to make more informed decisions around treatment options.
“By showcasing the benefits of this endovascular procedure as an alternative to bypass for the treatment of lower limb arterial disease, there is potential for many Australians to avoid invasive surgery,” Dr Goh said.
“This is especially significant for older patients who have a higher risk of experiencing complications while under anaesthetic.”
Dr Goh said that the study, as the first-of-its-kind in Australia, confirms already observable benefits of minimally invasive endovascular treatment as an alternative to treatment for PAD.
Up to 15 per cent of Australians aged over 65 have PAD. It occurs when the vessels that supply blood to the limbs and other organs are narrowed or blocked by fatty deposits, limiting blood supply to other parts of the body.
Dr Goh said not all patients may be eligible for this type of treatment.