It may have taken years for peripheral vascular disease to develop in 76-year-old Velvagene Smith’s right leg, but it only took 90 seconds for Dr. Maria Javaid, Providence interventional cardiologist, to open the chronic total occlusion blocking the blood flow to her leg.

   Dr. Javaid used a state-of-the-art catheter called the Avinger Wildcat to open the blocked peripheral vascular artery. Providence is the first hospital in the Kansas City area, and the first in the state of Kansas, to use the new FDA-approved catheter.

   “The Avinger was developed by John Simpson, a nationally-known interventional cardiologist and inventor,” said Phillip Regas, executive director of the Providence cardiac service line. “Dr. Simpson chose Providence for an initial regional release of the technology.”

   “We’re very excited to be chosen for this initial release of the Avinger,” said Randy Nyp, Providence CEO-president. “PAD is a common problem for patients in our community and it’s wonderful to be able to offer them this advanced treatment option.”

   The Avinger Wildcat catheter was named after the equipment used to drill for oil in Avinger, Texas. Some peripheral vascular blockages are severe and difficult to pass through with traditional catheters. The Avinger is a special kind of catheter that acts like a corkscrew, wedging through the blockage. By turning the catheter, the device cuts through hardened blockage in the artery, enabling a guidewire to pass through and eventually restore blood flow.

   PAD is a leading cause of disability among people over 50. Complications, such as ulceration, gangrene and amputation, can be costly and lead to a decline in the individual’s quality of life. Like the millions of people who suffer from PVD, Smith’s problem had become worse and worse, especially over the past couple of years.

   “It was very painful and made it difficult for me to walk or stand,” she said.

   Smith had tried to treat the PVD medically, but her leg pain continued to worsen.

   “My doctor could barely find a pulse in my foot,” Smith said. “I was told if I didn’t do something about it, it could lead to an amputation.”

   A chronic total occlusion is common in individuals with peripheral vascular disease and traditionally has been treated with surgery. Luckily, Smith was a perfect candidate for the new Avinger catheter and was scheduled for the procedure.

   “It only took Dr. Javaid 90 seconds to open the patient’s blocked artery with this new device,” Regas said. “That’s just amazing! With typical catheters and wires, it might have taken much longer.”

   Smith also has recovered quickly from the procedure.

   “I spent the night in the hospital, but was home the next morning,” Smith said. “My leg felt better immediately.” 

   According to Regas, the Avinger catheter not only makes it possible to treat PVD quicker, it’s more cost effective.

   “This catheter is more economical than alternatives and has improved the procedure’s effectiveness, reducing the cost, and helping patients return to their active lifestyles much faster,” Regas said.

   That’s certainly been the case for Smith. A few days after being dismissed from Providence, she said her right leg feels normal, just like it used to.

   “The pain is gone. I can walk, stand and drive,” the Kansas City, Kan., resident said.

   Now the self-described “busy bee” is back to her active life, thanks to Providence, Dr. Javaid and the Avinger catheter.

   “I’m looking forward to visiting my grandchildren and returning to work,” she said. “I had an excellent experience at Providence.”