PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following are treatment options for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

1. Only medication management

2. Surgical graft bypass, angioplasty, endarterectomy

3. Physical therapy alone

4. Diet modification

The correct answer is: Surgical graft bypass, angioplasty, endarterectomy

The correct answer highlights a range of interventional treatments that are viable options for managing Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Surgical graft bypass involves creating a new pathway for blood flow around the blocked artery, which can significantly improve circulation to the affected limb. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a balloon to widen the narrowed artery, often accompanied by placing a stent to keep the artery open. Endarterectomy is a surgical procedure where plaque is removed from the arterial wall, which also improves blood flow. These options are considered more definitive treatment strategies, particularly for patients experiencing critical limb ischemia or those who have not responded adequately to conservative management like lifestyle modifications and medications. Although medications can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression, they are generally not sufficient alone for more advanced cases of PAD. Physical therapy and diet modifications can play supportive roles in overall management but do not address the underlying vascular obstructions directly. Hence, the comprehensive approach outlined in the correct answer provides crucial options for treating PAD effectively.