Treatment options for Peripheral Vascular Disease

The two main goals for treatment of PVD are to control the symptoms and halt the progression of the disease. This will decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack and limb loss.

Historically, amputation and death were common occurrences in patients with severe PVD. However, recent therapeutic advances have improved the outcomes and longevity of life for many patients suffering from PVD. The vascular surgeons at The Nebraska Medical Center are trained in the latest minimally invasive and open surgical techniques to provide patients with the fullest range of treatment options.

Specific treatments will be determined by you and your physician based on your age, overall health, past medical history, extent of the disease and severity of symptoms. Your ability to tolerate certain medications, procedures and therapies will also be taken into consideration. The expectations for the course of the disease will be discussed in depth with you. There are many treatment options available.

Lifestyle and Medical Management

• Lifestyle modifications to control risk factors including smoking cessation, exercise and proper nutrition
• Aggressive treatment of existing conditions that may speed up the progression of PVD such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia (elevated fat or cholesterol in the blood).
• Medications for improving blood flow including blood thinners, antiplatelet agents, and medicines that can relax the blood vessel wall.

Minimally invasive techniques

• Angioplasty — a balloon is inflated inside a narrowed artery to open up the narrowing.
• Stenting — a small mesh “tube” is inserted into the newly opened artery to keep it open.
• Atherectomy — a catheter with a thin blade at the end (the blade is the size of a grain of rice) is used to shave away and “core out” the plaque build-up.
• Cryoplasty — nitrous oxide is utilized at the site of the newly opened artery to inhibit the formation of scar tissue within the artery.

Surgery

• Bypass — taking a piece of vein are man-made material and creating a new “pathway” around the blocked artery
• Endarterectomy — opening up the blocked artery and removing the plaque

Based on overall health, symptoms and disease progression, other surgical options may be recommended.