Aster Hospitals’ interventional cardiologists specialize in peripheral interventions. It addresses blood vessels outside the heart. Our experts use advanced tools and techniques to enhance blood flow, eliminate clots, and enhance quality of life.
Peripheral vascular intervention, or PVI, is a medical procedure to treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) or atherosclerosis. The primary aim of PVI is to improve blood flow to the lower extremities. This restoration of proper blood flow helps to reduce pain and numbness. It can even prevent the need for limb amputation.
Interventional cardiology procedures for peripheral vascular interventions involve accessing blood vessels outside the heart using a flexible, hollow tube known as a catheter.
This technique:
- Opens up blocked blood vessels
- Reduces high blood pressure, and
- Removes blood clots
Aster's medical professionals have the necessary skills and expertise to provide innovative treatments for challenging conditions like pulmonary embolisms. Doctors use various techniques, including investigational therapies, to ensure patients receive the most advanced care. Our team of interventional cardiologists utilizes state-of-the-art techniques. They build up our esteemed track record of innovation and excellence.
Earlier, treating blood vessels often involved a significant incision. It led to prolonged recovery and increased pain. But now, we can treat blood vessels outside the heart without needing large incisions by utilizing peripheral vascular interventions. This minimally invasive approach provides patients quicker recovery time, reduced pain, lower risk of complications, and shorter hospital stays.
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.
What are peripheral interventions?
Peripheral vascular interventions refer to interventional cardiology treatments. It uses a flexible, hollow tube called a catheter to access blood vessels outside the heart. Physicians use this method to clear blocked blood vessels, cut blood clots, and reduce high blood pressure.
What factors can aggravate peripheral vascular diseases?
Conditions that can worsen PVD include diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), and high cholesterol.
What is the primary intervention for peripheral vascular disease?
Lifestyle modifications and medication may be necessary to address peripheral artery disease. Lifestyle adjustments can relieve symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease. Quitting smoking is essential in reducing complications and should be prioritized.
What is the best treatment for PVD?
The medications prescribed for PVD are intended to enhance blood flow. Included ABCs in this list are:
- Anticoagulants (to prevent the formation of blood clots)
- Beta-blockers (to slow heart rate and lower blood pressure)
- Cilostazol (to relax the arteries, causing them to expand)
What are the treatment options for peripheral vascular intervention?
Peripheral vascular intervention procedures may be necessary for severe cases. These types of surgeries are minimally invasive and include:
- Arterial thrombectomy
- Peripheral angiogram
- Peripheral atherectomy
What is peripheral vascular disease?
Peripheral vascular disease is when narrowing or spasming occurs in blood vessels outside the heart, commonly affecting the peripheral arteries. It can also affect blood vessels in the arms, stomach, or kidneys.
What does the PVD treatment plan include?
The goal of PVD treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse. A personalized treatment plan will consider factors such as age, health status, medical history, disease severity, and any signs you may be experiencing. Typically, successful treatments involve making lifestyle changes and managing risk factors.
What is the treatment plan for peripheral vascular disease?
If you suffer from PVD, your healthcare provider might suggest several treatment options. These could include making heart-healthy lifestyle changes, following an exercise program, and taking prescribed medication. Experts may also recommend undergoing a procedure to open or bypass blockages in your arteries.
How is peripheral vascular disease diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will conduct a comprehensive physical examination when diagnosing peripheral vascular disease. He will ask about your medical and family history. The provider will also check the pulse in the affected area, usually in the legs, as a weak pulse is one of the early physical signs of PVD.
Who treats peripheral vascular disease (PVD)?
Individuals with peripheral artery disease can receive treatment from various specialists. These may include internists, family practitioners, or cardiologists who can manage medication treatment. Interventional cardiologists or radiologists can perform angioplasty. Vascular surgeons can perform surgical procedures to treat the disease.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
Experts at Aster Hospitals recommend conducting a formal diagnosis of PAD before performing a PVI procedure. It may involve using one or more examination methods.
Ankle-brachial index (ABI)
It is a non-invasive test. It measures the blood pressure in the ankles and arms. This test diagnoses peripheral artery disease (PAD), where the leg arteries narrow and limit blood flow. The test is done by comparing the ankle's blood pressure to the arm's. If the ratio is less than 0.9, it could indicate the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) in the patient's legs. It implies a blockage in the arteries in the legs, which can cause pain, cramping, and numbness. It is a must to get tested for ABI if you have symptoms of PAD or risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
Doppler ultrasound
A Doppler ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive medical test. It uses high-frequency sound waves to check the heart's structures and functions. Unlike other medical tests, it doesn't involve any injections or radiation. A small transducer is placed on the skin during the test, and the doctor moves it across the body. It emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the internal tissues and organs, creating moving images on a screen. The doctor will analyze these images. This test carries no risks.
Magnetic resonance angiography
Magnetic resonance angiography, or MRA, is an imaging technique that uses magnetic fields to generate detailed images of the body's blood vessels. It provides information similar to a CT scan but without using harmful X-rays.
Peripheral computed tomography angiography (PCTA)
Peripheral computed tomography angiography is a diagnostic imaging test that utilizes contrast dyes and standard CT scan technology. This non-invasive procedure is highly beneficial for patients with a stent or pacemaker.
The focus of treating PAD is to alleviate symptoms and prevent the disease from advancing. In many instances, lifestyle modifications, physical activity, and medication for claudication are sufficient to slow down PAD progression. However, peripheral vascular intervention procedures may be necessary in severe cases to treat the condition.
Peripheral angiogram
A peripheral angiogram is a medical test that helps to test blood flow through the arteries in the legs. It involves the use of X-ray imaging and a special dye that is injected into the bloodstream to help visualize the blood vessels. This test can help diagnose conditions such as PAD, which can cause pain and cramping in the legs during activity. It can also help identify blockages or narrowing of the arteries, which may need treatment. A doctor at Aster Hospitals may recommend a peripheral angiogram if you have symptoms of PAD or are at risk of developing the condition.
Arterial thrombectomy
It is a medical procedure involving removing a blood clot from an artery. It treats conditions such as stroke or heart attack, where a clot in the artery prevents blood flow to essential organs. The procedure involves inserting a catheter into the affected artery and using a device to break up or remove the clot. Arterial thrombectomy can be a life- saving procedure for those experiencing a medical emergency.
Peripheral atherectomy
During a peripheral atherectomy, a sharp blade or laser catheter removes plaque buildup in the arteries. The catheter is steered to the site of the blockage, where it breaks up the plaque into particles smaller than red blood cells, enabling unobstructed blood flow through the vessel.
