King’s trials new technology for vascular disease

21 November 2025 - A group of patients have been treated with new laser technology

A team at King’s College Hospital have been trialling a new laser catheter to help treat patients with vascular disease in the legs, also known as peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). The condition, where the blood vessels in the legs become narrow or blocked and restrict blood flow, can cause pain and numbness, loss of mobility and in extremely severe cases, can lead to amputation.

Patients living with PVD or PAD are typically treated with procedures such as angioplasty, where a balloon is used to stretch open a narrowed or blocked artery, or stenting, where a tube is inserted to help keep the arteries open. Although these treatments are generally very effective, there remain challenging cases that do not respond well. The Interventional Radiology team at King’s have now introduced an additional treatment option, treating a small number of patients with a new laser catheter. This technology uses laser energy, which removes the plaque build-up inside arteries without the need for surgery, and enhances current endovascular treatment options and outcomes for these patients.

Dr Thoraya Ammar, Consultant Radiologist at King’s, explained: “Although we already have a range of effective endovascular treatments for peripheral vascular disease (PVD), this innovative laser technology is an exciting new addition that enhances current endovascular treatment options. It promises a safe and effective way to remove plaque build-up inside arteries using peripheral atherectomy techniques, particularly for patients with lesions that have been resistant to other endovascular treatments.

Trudy Watkins, 40, has PAD, and has survived a stroke and a heart attack. She said: “About nine months ago, I underwent an angioplasty to try and treat a blocked artery in my leg. But unfortunately, it didn’t work, and the same procedure in July wasn’t successful either. At this point, my leg was extremely painful and I was struggling to walk for long distances. Gradually, simple things like doing the school run or driving the car became impossible.

“I’d been told the only option for me was to consider a leg bypass, but as a mother of two young children, the last thing I wanted to go through was major surgery. So when Dr Ammar asked if I’d like to try a new laser treatment, I thought why not? It’s completely changed my life – I saw an immediate change to my mobility, I’m driving again and I feel like I can be a proper mum to my children now. The team who looked after me were incredible – I just feel so lucky to have had this treatment.”

Jane Copper also underwent laser treatment at King’s for a blocked artery that was affecting her mobility. She said: “I am a keen speed walker to help keep myself fit and healthy, so when a pain in my calf began to slow me down, things became really difficult. I knew that stenting might be a possibility to help, but when I heard about a new type of laser treatment, I was more than happy to give it a try. It has been absolutely wonderful, and I’m now back walking at race speed again. I am so grateful to all the staff on Cotton Ward who showed me such kindness and took a great deal of care with my recovery. Thanks to them, I am making the most of life again.”

Dr Ammar added: “We will be reviewing the results of this trial to see how we can improve our treatment options for patients living with the impact of vascular disease.”