Vascular Surgery

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Peripheral Vascular Disease

At Cooper University Hospital, our cardiologists, interventional radiologists, and vascular surgeons are highly skilled and have had specialized education in treating peripheral vascular disease (PVD). In fact, they teach others how to care for patients with PVD using the most advanced and sophisticated treatment options available in the Delaware Valley.

A common circulatory problem, Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD), occurs when blood vessels in the extremities become narrowed or clogged.

Usually PVD causes pain, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Fortunately, when diagnosed early, PVD can be treated. And people can return to lead normal, active lives.

The Facts About Peripheral Vascular Disease*

  • PVD affects 8 million people in the United States
  • Nearly 3 million people with PVD have no symptoms
  • More than half the people with PVD experience leg pain, numbness, or other symptoms, but may dismiss them as a normal part of aging
  • If left untreated, PVD can lead to more serious health conditions, including stroke or the need for amputation

Diagnosing Peripheral Vascular Disease

The most common cause of PVD is atherosclerosis cholesterol and scar tissue build up that forms artery-clogging "plaque. An individual's symptoms and risk factors are considered to decide on the type of test to best diagnose PVD.

We offer several, non-invasive tests to diagnose or measure PVD severity including:

  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
  • Segmental pressure measurements
  • Doppler waveforms or pulse volume readings
  • Computer imaging and tomography
  • Magnetic resonance angiography

Who's At Risk for PVD?

Generally people at Higher risk are:

  • Over age 50
  • Smokers
  • Diabetic
  • Overweight
  • Do not exercise
  • Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
  • Individuals with a family history of PVD may also have a higher risk as well.

Treating Peripheral Vascular Disease

The overall health of the individual patient and the seriousness of the disease are important considerations when determining the best treatment for PVD.

In some cases, lifestyle changes are enough to halt and manage the disease. Sometimes medications are prescribed, or procedures are recommended to open the clogged vessels.

A Multidisciplinary Team to Treat PVD: Cardiologists, Interventional Radiologists and Vascular Surgeons

Interventional radiologists are physicians who have special training to diagnose, and treat conditions using miniaturized tools and a broad range of sophisticated imaging techniques.

These procedures are usually performed through very small incisions, generally do not involve major surgery, and require a shorter hospital stay. Types of procedures include:

  • Angioplasty
  • Stent and stent grafts
  • Thrombolytic therapy (“clot--busting" drugs)
  • Diagnostic angiography
  • Embolic therapy (blocking blood vessels)

Vascular Surgeons perform surgery to remove plaque from arteries or to surgically bypass obstructions with grafts. Procedures usually require a short hospital stay and include: Endarterectomy

  • Thrombectomy/Embolectomy
  • Bypass grafts

The First Step in Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Disease

If your primary care physician has recommended that you receive further diagnostic testing and/or treatment for PVD, your first step is scheduling an appointment with one of our vascular surgeons.The vascular surgeon will then manage your care and refer you to an interventional radiologist if needed.

Phone

To schedule an appointment with a Cooper University Physician, please call 1-800-8-COOPER (1-800-826-6737) to speak with a member of our physician referral and information service.

*Source: Society for Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology