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Spring Survey 2012

Peripheral Artery Disease: Underdiagnosed and Undertreated

PROGRAM DETAILS:

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than eight million Americans but is seriously underdiagnosed and undertreated. Many people wait too long before seeking treatment and, unfortunately, the condition can become life-threatening. This was almost true for patient Donald Norwacki who joins this Patient Power program to share his story. Donald thought the tightness in his calf was just a muscle pull from exercising, but after multiple tests and visits to the doctor, Donald was diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a diagnosis that actually saved his life. Donald’s physician, Dr. Romi Chopra, performed an ultrasound and learned that the superficial femoral artery (SFA), the largest artery in the leg, was nearly 100 percent blocked.

In this episode of Patient Power, Dr. Chopra, director of the Midwest Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapy in Chicago, joins host Andrew Schorr to help us understand why patients like Donald have to be proactive when they feel any abnormalities. Dr. Chopra speaks about why PAD is a disease that is underdiagnosed, contributing factors to PAD, and the benefits of minimally invasive surgeries, such as Donald’s. Hear Dr. Chopra talk about Donald’s speedy recovery after surgery and the importance of understanding your body and knowing when something is not quite right. Dr. Chopra also discusses how certain drug therapies are reducing recurrence, what you can do to lower your risk of PAD and how patients can go on to lead normal healthy lives.

Dr. Chopra focuses on a disease that few acknowledge as a severity until it's too late. You do not want to miss Donald’s story of being able to enjoy retirement and exercise as often as he would like with no worries. If you have concerns about peripheral artery disease, this Patient Power program is a reminder of why waiting is never a good idea, and being proactive makes all the difference.

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EXPERTS & GUESTS:
Paramjit Chopra, M.D.
Medical Director, Midwest Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapies (MIMIT), Rush University
Dr. Chopra is both Director of the Midwest Institute of Minimally Invasive Therapies and Associate Professor of Radiology at Rush University's Radiology department. He received his medical degree from Bombay University and completed his fellowship and residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chopra is board certified in interventional radiology. more >

Donald Norwacki,
Diagnosed with Peripheral Vascular Disease
Donald Norwacki thought the tightness in his calf was just a muscle pull from exercising. The 66 year-old retiree thought that the cramping was just part of getting old. Still, after walking on the treadmill for just three minutes – walking less than 100 feet – Donald had to stop and rest because of the pain in his leg. No... more >

TRANSCRIPT:

  1. Introduction
  2. Diagnosing Peripheral Vascular Disease
  3. Donald Shares His Story
  4. What Contributes to PAD?
  5. Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgeries
  6. Candidates for Minimally Invasive Surgeries
  7. Are Drug Therapies Reducing Recurrence?

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