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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Annie Lowery, 79, is the mother of four daughters, four grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one great great grandson. She also is one of the first patients at Presbyterian Hospital to receive treatment for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) using a Diamondback 360 Orbital Atherectomy System.

"PAD is a life-threatening condition where fatty material called plaque builds up on the inside of the walls of the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to legs and arms," said Michael Miller, M.D., an interventional cardiologist with Mid Carolina Cardiology. "The build up of plaque causes the arteries to harden and narrow, which reduces blood flow to the legs and feet; this could lead to amputation if left untreated. Further, people with PAD may also have hardened and narrowed arteries to the heart and brain, leaving people with an increased risk for heart attack and stroke."

Lowery, who is diabetic and has been treated for heart disease in the past, began experiencing pain in her legs. "I really couldn't walk well. I had to use a cane," she said. Lowery's primary care physician referred her to Dr. Miller. Following another round of tests, she was scheduled for the minimally invasive procedure.

A spaghetti-thin wire with a diamond coated tip is inserted through the groin area. The tool then performs like a router, grinding away hardened plaque in the leg arteries. "I was awake the whole time, it really wasn't all that bad," said Lowery.

After both legs were treated, Lowery is back at home recovering. She and her husband Henry are both looking forward to spending time with their large family, all of whom are located nearby.

According to the National Institutes Of Health, Lowery is one of eight to 12 million Americans who have PAD. It is estimated that less than two million people are diagnosed with PAD and less than 700,000 are treated each year.

"Many people simply live with their leg or foot pain, assuming it is a normal part of aging," said Miller. PAD treatment will depend on an overall diagnostic assessment, including patient symptoms and risk factors, the site and severity of the arterial blockages and test results. The goal for treating PAD is to reduce the effects of symptoms, improve walking, save limbs and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.