Peripheral Vascular Surgery

The Peripheral Vascular Diseases include disorders of the circulatory system including blood vessels, the arteries and veins (excluding the heart).
Surgeons who treat patients with blood vessel disorders have many options including medication, mechanical devices, catheters and balloons introduced through small skin incisions and of course, surgical procedures. The main focus of the treatment is to keep the vessels open and working and in doing so prevent stroke, leg cramping, leg amputation and rupture of aneurysms (an artery which is weak and dilated).

Peripheral Vascular Disease is narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs. It causes a reduction in blood flow to these areas. In most cases, the legs are affected.

Peripheral Vascular Disease is usually caused by atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by a build-up of fatty plaques on the inside walls of blood vessels. The plaques can eventually completely block the flow of blood through the arteries.

Risk factors for Atherosclerosis (and Peripheral Vascular Disease and Coronary Artery Disease) include:

Diabetes.
High Cholesterol Levels.
High Blood Pressure.
Smoking.
Family History (hereditary component).
Overweight and Obesity.

The following tests may be done

Blood Tests : for blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Angiogram : a specialised test using dye that shows the flow of blood through the arteries and identifies the location and degree of any narrowing or obstruction.
Doppler Ultrasound : uses sound waves to show blood flow and to identify any obstruction.