Key points from article :
The NHS has introduced a new laser catheter technology for treating vascular disease in the UK for the first time. Patients at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD) can now benefit from the Auryon System, a laser device designed to remove plaque build-up in arteries that restricts blood flow. This development aims to improve care for patients in the South West who may not respond well to traditional treatments like angioplasty or stenting.
The first patient was treated at Derriford Hospital in July, marking a significant milestone for vascular care in the UK. According to Paul Jenkins, a consultant in Interventional Radiology, the Auryon System allows doctors to perform peripheral atherectomy, directly removing plaque from arteries in the limbs, particularly for patients with resistant lesions or recent blood clots. This method provides a more targeted approach than conventional procedures.
Peripheral vascular disease is a common condition in the UK, affecting about one in five men and one in eight women, and can lead to serious complications such as limb loss if untreated. Consultant vascular surgeon Dev Mittapalli noted that lifestyle factors—like smoking, poor blood pressure or diabetes management, high cholesterol, and lack of exercise—contribute to arterial damage and narrowing caused by calcium deposits.
Early results have been encouraging, with patients reporting significant improvement in symptoms following the procedure. The NHS team sees this technology as a promising tool to enhance vascular care, reduce complications, and potentially prevent amputations, offering hope to patients who previously had limited treatment options.
