Peripheral Vascular Disease

We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions for your education.

WHAT IS A PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL ANGIOPLASTY (PTA)?

A PTA is a therapeutic interventional radiology procedure in which a stenosis (a narrowing of an artery or vein) is opened using a balloon tipped catheter that is inflated to the normal size of the vessel. A stent is usually used to keep the vessel open. A stent is a small, metal, tube shaped scaffold. The stent is pre-mounted on a balloon catheter, and then the balloon is inflated at the site of the stenosis. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the stent in place. A self-expanding stent may also be used.

 WHY IS A PTA NECESSARY?

Fatty deposits can accumulate in your blood vessels, reducing blood flow and in some cases, blocking it completely. These deposits may break off into pieces, forming “traveling clots” called emboli that can cause a heart attack or stroke. A PTA can open blocked vessels, restoring blood flow, and reducing these risks.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM A CANDIDATE FOR AN ANGIOPLASTY?

Angioplasty is often used as an alternative to by-pass surgery. You should consult your physician to determine which form of treatment is best for you based on your severity of disease. Ask your physician if you should consult an Interventional Radiologist to see if you are a candidate for an angioplasty.

This disease promotes the buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) to the arteries that carry blood to other areas of the body. The arteries are blocked or narrowed, causing regular blood flow to diminish.

Other terms used to describe peripheral arterial disease are peripheral artery disease, hardening of the arteries, atherosclerotic peripheral artery disease, vascular disease, poor circulation, and PAD.

There are a number of treatment methods to address peripheral arterial disease, including medical management, diagnostic imaging, balloon angioplasty, stent placement and atherectomy to improve blood flow and improve quality of life.

The symptoms of peripheral arterial disease are mild, and in a number of cases, there are no visible symptoms. Some symptoms that may occur as things progress include leg pain when walking, ulcers or sores that will not heal, or consistent cold feelings in the lower legs and feet.

Individuals who have an elevated blood cholesterol level, diabetes, are inactive, smoke, are overweight and deemed obese, and those who have hypertension are viable candidates for peripheral vascular disease.

-Medical management

Peripheral Arterial Disease is managed through a comprehensive management program. This involves a series of treatments, lifestyle alterations, such as medications, exercise and other treatment options.

Your doctor will work with you to develop an exercise regimen that will assist in getting the blood flowing and keeping you in good health. It’s important to develop a “moving mindset” to ensure you do not become complacent and restrict the flow of blood.

Individuals with this condition should be careful to take proper care of the feet. This disease makes the feet vulnerable to developing ulcers, infections and wounds of the feet due to the restriction of blood and oxygen to that area. Here are a few tips:

• Wash and moisturize your feet on a daily basis

Using warm water and soap on the feet, making sure they are dry and following up with a creamy moisturizer will help prevent dry and cracked skin. This also reduces the bacteria that collect. Make sure to wash between the toes carefully.

• Wear the right shoes and socks

Your shoes should fit well and feel comfortable. Shoes that are too tight or small can cause breaks in the skin. Wearing thick socks also provides protection from varying temperatures and pressure.

• Make sure any fungus issues are corrected

Any foot fungus can cause sores or openings in the skin. See a doctor for any conditions that have been infected.

• Carefully trim toenails

Make sure toenails are trimmed, but be careful not to go too deep. Any cut on the foot or between the toes can cause a serious infection.

• Address any corns or bunions

Do not try to resolve any issues with corns or bunions. It is important to have these complications addresses by a professional to avoid damage.

• Exercise

Walking or some form of exercise will improve blood flow. Wiggle your toes throughout the day and stay active with exercises you enjoy.

• Talk to a podiatrist

Although you may have a primary care doctor, talking to a podiatrist about any issues you are experiencing in the foot will go a long way in ensuring you attack these problems when they arise. Taking care of your feet on a daily basis is key, but getting the medical attention you need can assist in preventing additional complications.

There are a number of ways to evaluate peripheral artery disease:

Diagnostic Imaging

• Arteriogram

An arteriogram is an X-ray of the arteries. A special dye is injected through a catheter that is placed through a blood vessel in the groin to view arteries in the heart, brain, kidney and other areas of the body. This is also called catheter angiography.

• Ultrasound

There are two different types of ultrasounds that can be used. The first is the vascular ultrasound, where sound waves create pictures of the arteries to locate blockages. The second is the Doppler ultrasound. This helps detect the restricted blood flow areas that are present in an artery.

• CT

The CT angiography (CTA) utilizes a CT scanner to provide a clear view of the arteries in the pelvis and legs. This is very useful with patients who have stents or pacemakers.

• MRI

The MR angiography (MRA) is non-invasive, and is similar to a CT exam. The difference is that there is no ionizing radiation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease is treated with a number of options:

• Balloon Angioplasty

An interventional radiologist will insert a catheter through a blood vessel to the artery of concern and use a small balloon to reopen it.

• Stent placement

Once a balloon angioplasty is performed, a stent is often placed in that artery to keep it open. These stents are self-expanding metallic scaffolds, or balloon-expanding stents that are permanent fixtures after the procedure is completed.

• Atherectomy

This procedure is a minimally-invasive technique using a catheter to locate the site of the blockage. Once the catheter reaches the artery, a laser or small blade removes the plaque. The plaque is then captured by the catheter in its tip. This process can have multiple treatments to treat any additional plaque present in the arteries.

This disease is very serious and should not be taken lightly. Understanding how important proper blood flow and your circulatory system is to the movement of limbs and other functions can help get you the treatment you need.

The team at Unique Imaging is ready and able to educate and assist in diagnosing your ailments. We provide solutions and options that work for you. Using state-of-the-art technology, we are able to address situations with confidence, knowing you are in the best care.

For more information on our services and facility in the Miami area, give our team a call for a consultation today!