Peripheral Vascular Disease
Our Approach
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) describes circulation disorders that affect the blood vessels outside the heart and brain. PVD most commonly affects the arteries (Peripheral Arterial Disease - PAD) and veins (Peripheral Venous Disease - PVD) of the legs, arms and organs of the abdomen.
PAD is caused by a narrowing of blood flow to the arms and legs, and if left untreated, may result in chronic pain, ulcers, gangrene and even amputation. It may significantly increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and smoking.
Diagnosing PAD
A simple non-invasive screening called an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) can detect PAD and involves blood pressure readings in the arms and legs to check for blockages in circulation. If further testing is required after an abnormal screening result, an Arterial Doppler test may be scheduled by your physician that uses sound waves to check for any obstruction to blood flow.
If the Arterial Doppler indicates that the blood flow in a patient's leg is obstructed, the physician may order an angiogram. During an angiogram, a substance that can be seen under an X-ray is injected into the leg and pictures are taken to define the exact location of the obstruction as well as the surrounding circulation.
Conditions
Treatments
ANGIOPLASTY
A minimally invasive procedure to widen narrowed vessels.
ATHERECTOMY
Peripheral intervention to open arteries blocked by plaque.
ARTERIAL AND VENOUS ULCER CARE
COMPRESSION THERAPY
Used for edema or swelling.
DEBRIDEMENT
Gentle removal of unhealthy tissue in the wound.
DIABETIC FOOT ULCER AND INFECTION CARE
ENDOVASCULAR STENTING
Reinforces a weak area of the artery, such as abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY
Procedure that utilizes a vacuum pump to draw out infection and promote wound healing.
PAD REHABILITATION
Therapy for walking endurance, peripheral and cardiovascular education and risk reduction.
PULSED LAVAGE
Hydrotherapy to irrigate and debride wounds.
RADIOFREQUENCY NEUROABLATION
Minimally invasive technique to reduce tumors, nodules or varicose veins.
REVASCULARIZATION
Treatment that restores blood flow to the heart.
STENT INSERTION
Cardiac and peripheral.
THROMBECTOMY
Surgery to remove a blood clot from an artery or vein.
Doctors
