PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE

VIE provides treatments for patients diagnosed with vascular claudication and PAD.

The first step in treating patients diagnosed with PAD is to reduce the risk of future vascular problems, including stroke and heart attack, through medical management and risk factor reduction.

Initial treatment includes:

1. Reducing risk factors: Reducing key risk factors, especially smoking cessation, is crucial for preventing further progression of your vascular disease.
2. Medical optimization: Medications may be prescribed to prevent worsening vascular disease, reduce the chance of a stroke or heart attack, or improve walking distance.
3. Exercise therapy: A walking program to condition the body and muscles will often improve walking distance.

Improving blood flow includes:

1. Endovascular treatment: Minimally invasive surgical procedures such as angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting. All of which are performed at VIE.
2. Bypass surgery: Open surgical procedure to improve blood flow.

Improving blood flow through endovascular or open vascular procedures is used when patients’ walking distance does not improve after medical and exercise therapy.

How is endovascular treatment performed?

A local anesthetic is administered, and access to the artery is achieved through a small skin incision. After performing an angiogram (taking pictures of the arteries) wires and catheters are used to reach the area of narrowing or blockage. Treatment can include one or more of the following:

• Angioplasty: Temporarily inflating a balloon inside the blocked artery.
• Atherectomy: Removing plaque in the artery with a medical device.
• Stenting: Placing a tiny tube to keep the artery open.
• Venous arterialization: Providing blood flow to the foot using veins).

The best treatment course is determined based on various factors. Once treatment is completed, all equipment is removed (except for any stents). A closure device may be used to seal the hole in the artery. The incision is tiny, so stitches are usually not needed.

What are the benefits of endovascular treatment?

The procedures are minimally invasive and quickly and effectively restore blood flow without the risks associated with surgery. By restoring normal flow, symptoms are immediately improved, and the long-term complications of claudication are reduced.

Am I a candidate for endovascular treatment?

The doctors at VIE will ask questions to understand the causes of your leg pain and get to the root of the problem. We are here to help evaluate your symptoms and determine whether endovascular treatment suits you.