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Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
One out of every 20 Americans over the age of 50 has peripheral arterial disease, or PAD. It occurs when fatty deposits, such as cholesterol, cause buildup in the arteries that supply blood to limbs. This buildup, called plaque, narrows these arteries, reducing or blocking the flow of blood. This causes a decreased level of oxygen supply to muscles and other tissues that can be very damaging over time. PAD is most commonly found in the legs, but can also be present in arteries that supply blood to the head, arms, kidneys and stomach. Like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Angioplasty and Stenting
Interventional radiologists pioneered angioplasty and stenting, which was first performed to treat peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Using imaging for guidance, an interventional radiologist threads a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin to the blocked artery in the legs. A balloon is inflated to open the blood vessel where it is narrowed or blocked. In some cases this is then held open with a stent, a tiny metal cylinder. This is a minimally invasive treatment that does not require surgery, just a nick in the skin the size of a pencil tip.
Information provided by the Society of Interventional Radiology, www.SIRweb.org © 2004, 2008 |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS |
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Featuring Gene Phillips, M.D.
Interventional Radiologist with Charleston Radiologists, PA
Medical Director, InvisiVein
Q. What are varicose veins?
A. Varicose veins are abnormal bulging veins below the skin surface that are unsightly and often painful. They frequently cause swelling and discomfort in the legs, especially during periods of prolonged standing. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to permanent skin changes and sometimes ulceration.
Q. Are varicose veins only a cosmetic concern?
A. The appearance of varicose veins and spider veins (these are the smaller and more common variation of varicose veins) is the concern. However, varicose veins cause aching pain and discomfort. This condition may lead to serious problems if not treated.
Q. What new non-invasive techniques are available to treat varicose veins?
A. Surgery was the traditional treatment for varicose veins, but it’s invasive, moderately painful and has a slightly longer recovery period. Surgery requires the use of anesthesia, leaves a scar and a few incisions.
One of the newest non-invasive techniques in varicose vein removal is endovenous laser treatment (EVLT). The EVLT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, requires no incisions, and usually lasts less than an hour. An interventional radiologist, a doctor specially trained in performing minimally invasive treatments using imaging guidance, can perform EVLT.
Q. How does the EVLT procedure work?
A. With EVLT, laser energy minimizes the vein walls, shrinking them and closing the faulty vein so that the blood cannot flow through it. This eliminates the bulging of the vein at its source. After the treatment, the blood in the faulty veins will be diverted to the many normal veins in the leg.
The procedure leaves no visible scarring. There is minimal postoperative pain, and a quick recovery period gains immediate relief from symptoms. It is well documented that EVLT has a 98% initial success rate with excellent long-term results.
For more information on EVLT and varicose vein removal, visit InvisVein. |
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