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Our Guide to PAD and Laser Atherectomy Treatment
The average person doesn’t spend much time thinking about their veins and arteries, but maybe they should.
The vascular system is hugely important in ensuring that our bodies work like they’re supposed to, and when that system fails, there can be lasting consequences.
But at Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center, we offer solutions to even the most serious arterial conditions. One such solution is the atherectomy, a treatment we perform to clear plaque from your arteries.
Depending on your condition, a standard atherectomy may not do the trick, which is why we offer laser atherectomy in Rogers, AR. Read on to learn more about this exciting vascular treatment.
Do you need a laser atherectomy?
Why should you consider meeting with us about a laser atherectomy in Rogers, AR? The main reason a patient might require a laser atherectomy is because of PAD—or peripheral artery disease.
This condition occurs when the accumulation of fat and plaque in the arteries greatly decreases blood flow to the limbs. Often, PAD is symptomless, so it can be difficult to diagnose on your own.
One of the most common symptoms of PAD is leg pain. Of course, a number of different things may cause leg pain, so it’s always a good idea to talk to a medical professional if you suspect you may have PAD.
The Dangers of PAD
Buildup of plaque in the arteries—otherwise known as atherosclerosis—can cause serious problems for patients. If you’re suffering from low blood flow in the arteries, then you may be at a higher risk for heart attacks or strokes.
Another potential complication of PAD is gangrene. When the body’s limbs don’t receive enough blood, the tissue will die. In severe cases, doctors treat gangrene with limb amputation.
At Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center, we prioritize saving limbs whenever possible, which is why we offer options for atherectomy. We want to treat your PAD before any serious complications arise.
Are you at risk for PAD?
Roughly 5% of Americans over the age of 50 have PAD, but you don’t have to be 50 to develop this condition. If your lifestyle, habits, or genetics leave you at risk for PAD, then you should meet with a vascular specialist for a checkup. You may be at a higher risk for PAD if you:
- Smoke cigarettes
- Have diabetes
- Do not exercise regularly
- Have a family history of PAD
If you belong to one or more of these groups, then you should familiarize yourself with common PAD symptoms. Don’t brush off leg pain as everyday soreness—it could be a sign of something more serious.
Diagnosing PAD
Because PAD occurs in the arteries, there are few physical symptoms. Patients with PAD may develop ulcers in the feet, but otherwise, it can be difficult to determine whether a patient is suffering from this vascular condition. Fortunately, at Ozark, we offer in-house vascular imaging.
If you need to diagnose an arterial condition accurately, then vascular imaging is your best option. We have a few different choices available for vascular imaging at Ozark.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
This method of diagnosing PAD simply compares a patient’s blood pressure in different parts of their body. When we compare these measurements, we refer to them as an ABI ratio. Depending on a patient’s ABI ratio, we can determine if they suffer from PAD.
Angiography
An angiography uses X-ray technology to detect if a patient’s arterial system has blockages. Before they complete the imaging process, a team member will use a catheter to inject dye into the arterial system for better imaging results. Anesthesia will be administered during the imaging process.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is an excellent choice for diagnosing arterial treatments. With the help of our vascular sonographer, we can use ultrasound technology to check for blocked veins and clogged arteries.
Not the Average PAD Treatment
If you’ve been struggling with PAD, then you may be wondering why a laser atherectomy in Rogers, AR, is your best choice for treatment. Laser atherectomy is an excellent option for patients with a particularly stubborn case of PAD.
Many vascular providers will recommend treatments like angioplasty or stenting to clear plaque-clogged arteries, and those treatments are effective for many patients. That said, “many”’ is not “all.”
If you feel you’ve exhausted your options, then you should meet with our team about scheduling a laser atherectomy. But what makes this treatment effective at handling difficult PAD cases?
Preparing for Laser Atherectomy
Once the diagnosis and consultation processes are complete, we will schedule your PAD procedure. This procedure may last a couple of hours, so you will need to take some time off work for your laser atherectomy in Rogers, AR.
We also recommend that you show up for your treatment half an hour early. During this time, our providers will check you in and confirm the details of your medical history.
Afterward, we’ll give you one more chance to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, get you changed into a medical gown, and lead you into the treatment room.
The Laser Atherectomy Treatment
Our providers will ensure you’re comfortable, then we will shave and sterilize the treatment area. Next, we will administer your sedation through an IV. You will be sedated throughout your laser atherectomy procedure.
A provider will insert a catheter into your body and snake it through to the affected arteries. For pinpoint accuracy, your provider will use X-ray imaging and ultrasound technology to ensure correct placement of the catheter.
For a non-laser atherectomy, your provider would simply use a blade to cut away the plaque. But for this procedure, the catheter is tipped with a laser attachment that will vaporize the plaque buildup in your arterial system. This can treat even the strongest plaque deposits.
Once the provider has sufficiently cleared the plaque deposit, they will remove the catheter and close the incision area.
Careful Observation and Recovery
We want to be sure that your body reacts well to laser atherectomy in Rogers, AR. After your providers complete the atherectomy procedure, we mandate you remain in our clinic for at least one hour.
During this time, we’ll monitor your vitals and blood pressure. We’ll also examine the incision site for any abnormalities.
Feel free to take this hour to relax following your procedure. You should also take advantage of our refreshment services—enjoy food and water while we complete our examinations. After we’re finished, we will provide you with post-op care instructions and you will be free to go.
However, you will not be able to drive yourself home following your treatment. For that reason, we request you bring a friend or family member who can take you home after your procedure is complete.
Before you go, we will outline your recovery instructions. These are steps you can take to ensure that your healing process is as effective as possible. Let your providers know if you have any questions about your recovery plan.
Many patients can return to their typical schedule within days of their treatment, but this is not the case for everyone. Your post-treatment instructions may differ depending on your condition, so be sure to take careful note of your provider’s advice.
The Right Hands
Laser atherectomy in Rogers, AR, requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Our providers are skilled in performing a range of arterial procedures.
In the years since we founded Ozark Regional Vein & Artery Center, we’ve met with patients dealing with all kinds of vascular conditions. There are seemingly countless vascular conditions and disorders, and you shouldn’t have to deal with them on your own.
We got into this industry to help patients like you treat your conditions and live healthy, fulfilling lives. If you’re looking for help treating PAD or any other vascular disorder, our providers have the resources you need.
Want to learn more?
The average person doesn’t know much about their vascular system, and we want to change that.
When you have a deeper understanding of your body and how it works, you can better understand what it needs. Don’t stay in the dark about something as important as your veins and arteries.
If you want to learn more about how your body works and how to keep it healthy, then take a look at our custom blog. We upload new blog posts multiple times a month, so there’s always something new to learn. Stay up to date on all things Ozark.
Get Started With Ozark
Do you think you could benefit from laser atherectomy in Rogers, AR? You can reach out to our team online to schedule your consultation. We’ll sit down with you and discuss your condition and your treatment goals.
But if you aren’t sure which of our many vascular treatments is right for your symptoms, then you can find out with the help of our vein and artery tool. Just input your answers to the provided questions, and we’ll send you a recommendation based on your condition.
The tool is free, and the process only takes a few minutes, so give it a try today.