Minimally Invasive Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment
in Cocoa, FL
Restore Circulation and Leg Healthin Cocoa, FL
If you’re experiencing leg fatigue, cramping, or foot numbness during everyday activity, it may be more than just getting older—it could be Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). At Vascular and Embolization Specialists in Cocoa, FL, Dr. Derek Mittleider provides minimally invasive treatments that restore healthy blood flow to the legs and feet without surgery. These advanced, image-guided procedures offer immediate relief with minimal downtime.
A Proven Alternative to Vascular Surgery
PAD treatments traditionally relied on surgery, but modern techniques like angiograms now offer a safer, faster solution. Using a tiny catheter inserted through the skin, Dr. Mittleider can diagnose and treat arterial blockages—improving circulation and reducing pain in just one outpatient visit.
- Minimally invasive angiograms guided by real-time imaging
- No scalpels, stitches, or staples
- Fast symptom relief and improved walking distance
- Most patients walk within 30 minutes post-procedure
- No hospital stay or extended recovery
What You Should Know About Peripheral Arterial Disease
What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?
PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become narrowed due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow to the muscles and skin. Early signs include pain or fatigue in the legs during activity that resolves with rest. In advanced cases, it can lead to Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI), which causes rest pain, slow-healing wounds, and risk of amputation.
What Are the Symptoms of PAD?
- Leg pain or cramping during walking
- Cold feet or legs compared to the other side
- Numbness, weakness, or fatigue in the legs
- Sores or wounds that won’t heal on toes or feet
- Hair loss or shiny skin on the legs
- Weak pulses in the legs or feet
What Are the Causes of PAD?
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
What Are the Risk Factors?
- Age (especially over 60)
- Family history of heart disease or PAD
- Male gender and African American ethnicity
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Poorly controlled diabetes or hypertension
How Is PAD Diagnosed?
PAD diagnosis starts with a physical exam and history of symptoms. Diagnostic tools may include:
- Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm
- Doppler Ultrasound: visualizes blood flow
CT Angiography or MR Angiography: detailed arterial imaging
Early detection allows for more effective and less invasive treatment.
Minimally Invasive Long-Term Relief for PAD
Our catheter-based treatments open narrowed arteries and restore blood flow to your legs and feet—helping you walk farther, heal faster, and avoid surgery. Most patients notice improvements immediately with minimal discomfort and little to no downtime.
| Feature | Minimally Invasive PAD Treatment |
Bypass Surgery | Medications Alone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimally Invasive | Yes |
No | Yes |
| Requires Hospital Stay | No |
Yes | No |
| Recovery Time | 1–3 days |
4–8 weeks | None |
| Restores Circulation | Yes |
Yes | Variable |
| General Anesthesia Required | No |
Yes | No |
| Long-Term Symptom Relief | Yes |
Yes | Often Temporary |
Why Patients Choose Vascular and Embolization Specialists
At Vascular and Embolization Specialists, we offer minimally invasive, personalized care with real results. Dr. Mittleider brings advanced expertise in UAE and is dedicated to helping patients feel better without major surgery.
Specializing in
Advanced Circulation Techniques
We treat PAD and CLTI with precise, image-guided procedures to restore blood flow without the risks of surgery.
Faster Recovery
and Less Downtime
Many patients walk out the same day of treatment and resume daily activities in just days.
Trusted by Patients
on the Space Coast
Dr. Derek Mittleider is known for helping patients avoid amputations with noninvasive care—even when surgery seemed like the only option.
Don’t let PAD progress to something more serious. Our minimally invasive treatments restore circulation, reduce symptoms, and help you stay active. Schedule your consultation at our Cocoa, FL location and take the first step toward better leg health.
Schedule Your Consultation
Experience Relief Without Vascular Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential complications of untreated peripheral arterial disease (PAD)?
Untreated PAD can lead to severe complications, including critical limb ischemia, which is characterized by pain at rest, non-healing sores, and infections that can lead to tissue death. In extreme cases, this can necessitate limb amputation. Furthermore, PAD is a marker of systemic atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
How does physical activity benefit individuals with PAD?
Regular physical activity is highly beneficial for individuals with PAD. Exercise, especially walking, helps improve blood flow and reduces the symptoms of pain and cramping in the legs. Over time, physical activity can enhance overall cardiovascular health, increase endurance, and help manage other risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes. A supervised exercise program is often recommended for the best results.
What dietary changes are recommended for managing PAD?
Dietary changes are crucial in managing PAD and improving vascular health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help manage blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. Reducing the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium is also essential. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, can help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function. Consulting with a nutritionist can help tailor a diet plan specific to your needs.
What can I do to prevent peripheral arterial disease?
The most effective way to prevent PAD is by taking care of your blood vessels. That means not smoking, keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol under control, staying active, and eating a diet low in saturated fats and added sugars. If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar is especially important. Regular checkups can help catch early signs of PAD before they become more serious.
Can PAD be reversed?
Peripheral arterial disease can’t usually be reversed in the sense of fully restoring arteries to their original condition, but the damage can be slowed, and in some cases, symptoms can be improved. The key is addressing the underlying causes, like smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. With the right plan, many people with PAD can manage their condition and maintain a good quality of life.