An analysis of the economic impact of drug- coated balloon use for the treatment of peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowing (stenosis) or occlusion of peripheral arteries with consequent manifestation of ischemic blood flow. In the lower limbs, although asymptomatic in the most cases, PAD may manifest itself in different forms depending on whether it presents as claudication or as critical limb ischemia (CLI). Claudication is a functional manifestation, causing pain of varying intensity in the affected limb during walking. CLI may be evidenced by rest pain, skin ulcers, or, in its more advanced stages, necrosis and gangrene of the foot1.