Walking pain-free after treatment for peripheral artery disease

For Tony McDonough, a resident of the U.K. and a person with Type 1 diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD) was more than just a medical condition - it was a life-altering challenge. 

Tony McDonough's battle with peripheral artery disease PAD began when he started to experience severe pain in his left leg while walking. The discomfort escalated to the point where he could no longer do even short walks, and he had to walk around a supermarket with the support of a shopping trolley. For McDonough, who had always led an active lifestyle, this was not just a physical setback, but a blow to his spirit and independence.  

Well-informed about diabetes and potential complications 

People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing PAD, a form of cardiovascular disease caused by a build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of the leg arteries. It affects over 2 million people globally, and whilst it’s not immediately life-threatening, if blood flow to the legs becomes severely restricted, critical limb ischaemia (CLI) can develop. This is an extremely serious complication that can be challenging to treat, and in rare cases, may result in amputation. Luckily, Tony was very well-educated about his diabetes. He was also acutely aware of the potential complications he could experience and knew that he needed to seek help quickly.  

Unsuccessful angioplasties 

Following a referral from his doctor, McDonough was treated with a balloon angioplasty, but within six months he started to experience pain, indicating that his artery was becoming blocked once more. This meant that McDonough needed further medical intervention.  A second angioplasty again failed within six months, so he was referred to interventional radiologist Dr. Nirmal Kakani, based at Manchester Royal Infirmary in the U.K. 

A suitable candidate for innovative treatment  

Dr. Kakani considered McDonough a suitable candidate for the EMINENT trial, and he was implanted with an EluviaTM  Drug-Eluting Vascular Stent System, which is specifically designed to keep the arteries in the leg open and to prevent tissue regrowth that might otherwise block the artery again. 

Unlike other drug-eluting stents that release medication for only 2-3 months, the Eluvia stent is designed to provide a continuous release of paclitaxel for up to 12 months. This sustained release is crucial as it aligns with the peak period of restenosis, which occurs around 12 months post-implantation. 

The results McDonough saw with the Eluvia stent were remarkable. So much so, that a few years later, when he began experiencing similar pain in his right leg, McDonough knew exactly what was needed. He contacted Dr. Kakani and requested an Eluvia stent for his right leg.  

Back to an active, happy life 

McDonough has now had an Eluvia stent in his left leg for six years and an Eluvia stent in his right leg for two years without the need for any reintervention, and is back to the active life he enjoys. “I have no problems walking anywhere, “ he said.“My legs are fine, I really do enjoy life now.’  

You can find out more about McDonough’s experience with the Eluvia stent by watching this video: