University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust has become the first in the UK to treat patients with the AngioDynamics Auryon Laser Atherectomy System

Congratulations to the Interventional Radiology team at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, who have become the first centre in the UK to treat patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) using Auryon.

We are delighted to share extracts from the recent press release of the University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, which also captured significant local media attention, featuring on BBC Spotlight.

“Up until now, we have only been able to treat patients with traditional angioplasty and stenting,” explains Paul Jenkins, Consultant in Interventional Radiology. “This new machine will allow us to be more effective, utilising peripheral atherectomy techniques to remove the plaque build-up inside arteries in the limbs, particularly for patients who have lesions that have been resistant to other treatments, or who have symptoms that suggest recent blood clots. Overall, with this new technology, we are ultimately going to be able to provide better care for our patients in the South West.”

Graham, a 59-year-old civil servant, has been experiencing a great reduction in his mobility over the last couple of years. He said: “It’s devastating to go from being really active to only being able to walk a few metres before it gets really painful with cramping. I’m no longer able to drive and have had to become totally reliant on family, which is hard to accept. You feel trapped.

I’d already done some research on the virtues of this new treatment, so when Paul rang to say it was going to become available in this country, I was quite excited. It wasn’t greatly different to leg angioplasty, which I’ve had done before, although I did feel this sort of ‘fizzle’ sensation. I was awake during the procedure, so I could see the improvement in blood flow straight away on the monitors.

I’m aware that it takes time for any improvement to take effect, but I’m really hoping to see a reduction in the pain I experience at night, and to be able to take my dogs for a walk again. It’s great to have this treatment in the country now and will be such a positive. I think it will improve lots of people’s quality of life.”

Trevor Cleveland, Consultant Vascular Radiologist, said: “Laser treatment for peripheral vascular disease is not a new concept to Interventional Radiology. However, the Auryon device offers the ability to remove blood clots so that other leg arteries are protected. This means that in circumstances where balloons and stents have either failed or there are recent blood clots that have high risks of material dislodging during the more established treatments, we have an additional tool to treat patients with a greater degree of safety.”

Dev Mittapalli, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, said: “Angioplasty sometimes dislodges clots and atheromatous material into the distal arteries, which can be challenging to manage and may require surgery. The use of the Auryon device reduces distal embolisation and the need for additional surgery. This will improve patient care and help save limbs, especially in patients who are not suitable for major bypass surgery due to multiple health issues.”

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