An estimated 8.5 million people in the United States have peripheral artery disease, affecting approximately 12 to 20% of Americans over the age of 60. For most patients with PAD, a minimally invasive procedure through the femoral artery -- located in the groin -- is the usual approach. Morris was the first patient Gummadi performed the radial procedure on for PAD. “This approach through the wrist decreases complications and allows for quicker recovery,” Gummadi said. “With the radial approach, patients can sit up and get walking more quickly, which is vital to recovery.”The procedure requires only local anesthesia.