Periphery arterial disease is a condition which reduces the flow of blood to the limbs. In general, this illness develops because of the narrowing of blood vessels which supply blood to the peripheries, especially the legs. Typically, this ailment will not cause significant health problems after initial development. However, it is a progressive disease. If left untreated, the condition will escalate and interfere with proper blood flow, increasing the chances of heart attack, stroke and other serious problems. Here are the primary treatment options for this peripheral arterial disease that you should know.
Angioplasty
If the flow of blood in your affected arteries is blocked or nearly blocked, your vascular surgeon might recommend an angioplasty. This treatment technique will improve the movement of blood and reduce the risk of complications. In a typical angioplasty procedure, the doctor will insert a catheter into the blocked artery. The catheter usually has a balloon attached to the tip. After insertion, the balloon will be inflated and it will push against the blocked or narrowed blood vessels. This process will widen the affected arteries, restoring the blood flow. In some cases, the surgeon will place a stent or small mesh tube in the vessel to keep the channels open.
Bypass Grafting
Bypass grafting is an effective method for managing blocked blood vessels affected by the periphery artery disease. During this surgical procedure, the doctor will create a graft which allows blood to bypass the blocked sections. In simple terms, the surgeon will use a synthetic tube or harvest a blood vessel from another body part. They will then use these materials a graft which goes around the blocked area, restoring blood flow. While this process does not treat the ailment, it ensures steady blood supply around the body.
Atherectomy
The narrowing of the blood vessels can be caused by the buildup of plaque on the artery walls. If left alone, this material will make the channel smaller and proper flow of blood will be compromised. If this is your case, your surgeon will recommend atherectomy. This procedure uses a cutting device attached to a catheter to chip away the plaque from the blood vessels. The waste can be removed using the catheter or washed away by the blood.
Finally, you should note that the long-term management of peripheral arterial disease will require long-term lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, more physical activity and quitting smoking. If you suspect that you have this circulatory disorder, consult a vascular surgeon, such as Timothy Wagner, for diagnosis and immediate treatment.