Mataró Hospital, a pioneer in an innovative technique for treating blocked leg arteries

The Angiology and Vascular Surgery Department at Mataró University Hospital (Maresme) has become the second center in Spain to certify the use of orbital atherectomy using the Stealth 360 system. This technology represents a significant advance in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease and offers significant benefits to patients.

This innovative, minimally invasive technique removes calcified plaque from leg arteries, a common cause of circulatory problems such as pain or ulcers in people with peripheral arterial disease. The main benefits are: it effectively removes calcium, which hinders other treatments; it improves circulation and reduces the risk of amputation, especially in diabetic patients; and it is a very safe technique that minimizes the risk of damage to the artery during the procedure.

Until now, treatment options for these obstructions have been limited, especially when the lesions are highly calcified. Standard techniques include the use of balloons (angioplasty) or the placement of stents, but these can be less effective or even risky if the artery is very stiff or narrow.

Blocked arteries in the legs are a manifestation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition that affects a large number of people, especially those with diabetes or cardiovascular problems. The main cause is the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and calcium in the artery walls, causing decreased blood flow. This can lead to leg pain (intermittent claudication), ulcers, non-healing wounds, or, in severe cases, the risk of amputation.

This certification places the Mataró University Hospital at the forefront of peripheral revascularization techniques and consolidates its commitment to medical innovation and quality patient care.