 Peripheral arterial disease affects more than 12 million Americans, and its incidence is growing annually. The malefemale ratio of patients with claudication is just under 21. The arteries involved by atherosclerosis involve the arteries to the thigh and leg. These include the femoral and popliteal arteries. Fifty percent of people with femoral-popliteal PVD are symptomatic. Symptoms are typically related to exertional fatigue of thigh and calf muscles. These symptoms, referred to as claudication, seldom represent a life or even limb-threatening process. They do, however, result in significantly decreased productivity and an often devastating quality of life. 