Individuals with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) describe the pain caused by artery blockages restricting blood flow to their feet as having a tourniquet wrapped tightly around their thigh and calf causing their muscles, tissues, and nerves below to scream for much needed oxygen and other nutrients. Timing is critical to diagnose and treat PAD whether with medication, lifestyle modifications, and/or interventional/surgical approaches because once tissue and nerves are damaged due to lack of blood flow,pain may be permanent. Few options are available to bring relief for that neuropathy pain and chiropractic and general wellness practices across the country are preying upon these individuals with band-aid options which come at a high price. But some physicians are working on clinical solutions that are much more effective and durable for these patients who have had their blood flow restored and still can’t get relief from PAD, diabetic neuropathy, or even phantom pain following amputation. Southern Vascular & Pain Management Center Interventional Radiologists Dr. Stephen Leschak and Dr. Thomas Hodgkiss join Emory University Vice Chair for imaging intervention and division director for interventional radiology Dr. David Prologo in talking about innovative approaches to managing pain and questions to ask your doctor to know if they’re right for you.

Charles Winters thought he could breathe a sigh of relief after the gift of a lifetime, a kidney transplant, saved his life. But after his fight for life, he found himself fighting for limb. Doctors hadn’t told him Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients are at an increased risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), blocked arteries
in mainly the leg arteries which restrict blood flow, and steps that could be taken such as with diet and exercise to prevent it. So, after he recovered from a kidney transplant and had just started getting his life back in order, he found himself back in the hospital fighting to avoid amputation. He talks to hosts Kym
McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips about his life and limb-saving journey that is certain to give others hope that it’s possible to live a longer, better quality of life, if only you stand up and advocate for what you feel is right for your care.

Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease have an increased risk of developing limb-threatening plaque build-up in their leg arteries that restricts blood flow, a disorder known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). That’s why Terry Litchfield, who fought alongside her husband Bill who was a dialysis dependent CKD patient for more than 50 years, is sinking her teeth into prevention efforts and advances in treatment for those with advanced disease that tends to settle in the calf and foot arteries, which are tougher to tackle. She joins hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips in talking about gaps in care for CKD and PAD patients and innovative ways in which sees care evolving to help patients live a longer, healthier life. Terry has dedicated her life to advocacy, turning her passion into her profession as President of Access
Solutions, which offers patient Advocacy consulting services related to the renal dialysis field. She’s also an author and expert in patient engagement and satisfaction so you don’t want to miss highlights from her publications.

Blood clots are a common occurrence that can have fatal consequences. However, they can be prevented by understanding the risk factors, recognizing the signs, and seeking prompt medical attention. This is an important topic, especially with World Thrombosis Day taking place annually on October 13. The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) organizes this global initiative to raise awareness about thrombosis, a condition that is often overlooked or misunderstood. Thrombosis occurs when blood clots form in veins or arteries, leading to serious health risks such as deep vein thrombosis(DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke, and heart attack. In this episode of The Heart of Innovation, hosts Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips interview Dr. Thomas Tu, Chief Medical Officer for Inari Medical. Inari Medical has developed a groundbreaking device that offers a new approach to treating blood clots. The discussion focuses on how clots form, the reasons behind their formation, the individuals who are most vulnerable, the signs and symptoms to watch out for, and the various natural and medical options available to reduce the risk of fatal outcomes.