An international study estimates that 4154 million people in India have peripheral artery disease. Between 4.2 and 6.2 million people suffer from critical limb ischemia.
The peripheral vascular disease (PVD) department at Aster CMI Hospital is popular for its cutting-edge treatments for patients with vascular conditions. Peripheral angioplasty, a minimally invasive intervention performed for peripheral vascular disease (PVD) by professional vascular specialists.
During this narrowed or blocked arteries outside the heart (in the legs) are widened using a balloon catheter. This procedure helps to restore the blood flow to the affected area, and relieves symptoms like leg pain, cramping, and numbness. The Aster team ensures precise placement of the balloon catheter and minimizes complications. In cases where the artery has risk of re-narrowing, drug-coated balloons or stents are employed. These advanced devices deliver medication directly to the arterial wall, reducing the risk of restenosis.
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a blood circulation disorder that causes the blood arteries outside of the heart and brain to constrict, spasm, or block. Exhaustion and pain are characteristic symptoms of PVD, commonly in the legs. The symptoms worsen after the exercise, and rest makes the pain disappear. PVD can also affect the blood arteries supplying the arms, kidneys, stomach, and intestines.
Due to contracted blood vessels, the blood flow reduces in PVD. Hardening of the arteries, often known as "arteriosclerosis," could be the culprit behind PVD. In this condition, plaques accumulate in a vessel and restrict blood and oxygen flow to the organs and limbs.
As plaque grows, clots form and totally block the artery. PVD can not only cause pain and reduced mobility but, if left untreated, can result in organ damage and the loss of fingers or limbs. Thus, PVD interventions like advanced healthcare facilities, skilled medical professionals, and appropriate medical equipment are essential. One such healthcare facility is Aster Hospitals. Aster Hospitals is a well-known healthcare network with several branches in India and across the Middle East. At Aster Hospitals, we offer various medical services, including peripheral vascular disease (PVD) treatments. The peripheral vascular disease treatment at Aster CMI Hospital provides a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, with shorter recovery period and less risk of complications.
Health Conditions Treated
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Atherosclerosis
- Peripheral venous disease
- Claudication
- Critical limb ischemia (CLI)
- Peripheral embolism
- Arterial aneurysms
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
When does the surgeon advice for PVD intervention?
Surgeons suggest PVD intervention in those with symptomatic PVD, like severe pain and difficulty in walking. In addition, it is advised for those who haven't responded well to conservative treatments.
How can I prevent PVD?
By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent PVD. This includes:
- Regular exercise
- A balanced diet
- Quit smoking
- Managing lifestyle disorders like diabetes and high blood pressure
Is PVD intervention risky?
Like any medical procedure, there are risks associated with PVD intervention. However, PVD interventions are generally safe, mainly when performed by experienced specialists.
Is PVD intervention painful?
PVD interventions are typically performed under local anesthesia. This means the treated area is numbed to minimize discomfort during the procedure. However, it's possible to experience some mild discomfort or a sensation of pressure during the intervention.
Is there a risk of blood clots after intervention?
Yes, there is a potential risk of blood clot formation after PVD intervention, mainly when stents are used. While stents effectively improve blood flow, they can create a surface where blood clots form. However, doctors often prescribe antiplatelet medications to reduce the risk of blood clots.
What is the recovery like after PVD intervention?
Recovery after PVD intervention varies based on the specific procedure. Normally, minimally invasive interventions usually require shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery. On the contrary, open surgery may need more time to recover. However, in both surgeries, patients can resume normal activities within a few days to weeks.
How effective are PVD interventions?
The PVD interventions can be highly effective in:
- Improving blood flow to limbs
- Reducing symptoms like pain
- Preventing complications like gangrene and amputation
- Enhancing quality of life
Are there any complications after PVD intervention?
Although PVD interventions are safe, there may be some potential complications. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clot formation
- Damage to blood vessels
- Allergic reactions to contrast dye
Can PVD return after intervention?
Although intervention can provide long-term relief, symptoms can recur if lifestyle changes are not maintained. The potential risk of PVD reoccurrence increases if underlying risk factors are not adequately managed.
Can PVD intervention prevent heart disease?
Treating peripheral vascular disease can contribute to lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is because PVD and heart disease share similar underlying causes, such as atherosclerosis. Thus, treating PVD resolves the risks causing heart disease.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment since it can avert potentially fatal consequences. Aster Hospitals are considered a top hospital network due to their quality diagnostics. Thanks to its advanced medical equipment, skilled medical professionals, comprehensive testing services, accurate and timely results, medical standards adherence, and patient care commitment. Aster diagnostics help in the diagnosis of PVD with the following tests:
Doppler ultrasound
This noninvasive imaging technique helps your surgeon assess blood flow in the arteries and veins of your limbs. In addition, Doppler ultrasound can help identify blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in blood vessels, thus aiding in the diagnosis and management of PVD.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
This simple and noninvasive test helps diagnose and assess the severity of PVD. It measures the blood pressure in your ankles and compares it to the blood pressure in the arms. A lower ABI value indicates decreased blood flow to the legs and feet, which indicates PVD.
Angiography
This medical imaging technique visualizes blood vessels, including those affected by PVD. During this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into your blood vessels. Then X- ray images are taken to assess the blood flow and detect any blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities. Thus, angiography can provide detailed information about the location and severity of arterial blockages or stenosis in the extremities.
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
This is another noninvasive imaging technique used to visualize blood vessels. In the case of PVD, MRA can provide detailed images of blood vessels in the legs or arms. This helps your doctor diagnose and assess the extent of blood flow problems.
Computed tomography angiography (CTA)
CTA is another noninvasive imaging technique used for peripheral vascular disease. This can provide detailed 3D images of blood vessels in the affected area. It's beneficial for identifying blockages, narrowing, or other abnormalities in the blood vessels. This helps your doctors diagnose and assess the condition of blood flow.
PVD intervention at Aster Hospitals aims to restore blood flow, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications like ulcers and gangrene.
Bypass graft
It is a surgical procedure used to fix PVD. In this procedure, a blood vessel is taken from another body part or a synthetic graft material is used. This graft is surgically connected above and below the area of blockage or narrowing in the affected blood vessel. This results in restoring proper blood flow to the affected limb.
Balloon angioplasty
This is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat peripheral vascular disease. In this, the surgeon inserts a thin catheter with a deflated balloon at its tip into the affected blood vessel. The balloon is then inflated at the site of blockage by compressing the obstruction against the vessel walls. This procedure widens the vessel and improves blood flow.
Atherectomy
This is another medical procedure used to treat PVD. A catheter with a cutting or grinding device is inserted into the affected blood vessel during this procedure. The device is used to remove or break down the plaque that is blocking the blood vessel.
Stenting
A stent is a small, mesh-like tube that can be used for PVD treatment. It is placed inside the narrowed or blocked blood vessel during this procedure. Once in place, the stent expands, pushing against the vessel walls and holding them open. This improves blood flow and prevents the vessel from narrowing again.
