Vascular Surgery in bakersfield
Vascular Surgery
Vascular is the medical field where we specialize in diagnosing and treating issues with your blood vessels, like arteries and veins, to keep your circulatory system healthy and prevent vascular diseases, to Interventional Radiology specializing in vascular procedures and treatment of Peripheral Artery Diseases.
Vascular Services
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Artery Types
Arch Branches: These branches are responsible for providing blood to the brain via the carotid arteries. When these arteries are affected by disease, they pose a significant risk of causing life-threatening strokes.
Coronary Arteries: These arteries play a crucial role in supplying blood to the heart. When they become diseased, they can obstruct blood flow, resulting in a heart attack. Management of this condition primarily falls under the expertise of cardiologists, as it is a cardiovascular disease.
Iliac Arteries: These arteries supply blood to the hips and legs. When afflicted by disease, they often lead to leg pain during physical activity (claudication), which can affect both legs.
Renal Arteries: Responsible for delivering blood to the kidneys, these arteries, when affected by disease, can contribute to high blood pressure and, over time, kidney failure.
Femoral Arteries: Supplying blood to the legs, femoral arteries, if diseased, can cause claudication, typically in the calf muscles. This reduced circulation can result in persistent pain in the toes and foot, potentially progressing to a condition known as critical limb ischemia (CLI).
Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease
- Intermittent Claudication
- Numbness and Weakness
- Coldness
- Skin Changes
- Slow Healing
Risk Factors of Peripheral Artery Disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Age
Treatment Options for Peripheral Artery Disease
Healthy Lifestyle:
- Stop smoking.
- Exercise regularly, like walking.
- Eat a healthy diet and manage your weight.
Medications:
- Take drugs to prevent blood clots and lower cholesterol.
- Control high blood pressure if you have it.
- Some medicines can help with leg pain during walking.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
Doctors can open blocked arteries using a small balloon (angioplasty) or a tiny tube (stent). They may use special tools to remove artery blockages.
Surgery:
For severe blockages, surgery can create a new path for blood to flow. In some cases, plaque is removed from the artery.
Peripheral Venous Disease
Symptoms of Peripheral Venous Disease
- Varicose Veins
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis
- Venous Ulcers
- Spider Veins
- Leg Fatigue and Heaviness
Diagnosis of Peripheral Venous Disease
Medical History and Symptoms Assessment: Diagnosis begins with discussing your medical history and symptoms with a healthcare provider. Providing details about your symptoms and any risk factors helps guide the diagnostic process.
Physical Examination: A physical examination focuses on your legs and veins. The healthcare provider checks for signs like varicose veins, skin changes, swelling, and tenderness. They may also assess blood flow and look for ulcers or wounds.
Treatment of Peripheral Venous Disease
Compression Stockings: A cornerstone of PVD treatment is the use of compression stockings. These specially designed stockings apply gentle pressure to the legs, promoting better blood flow and reducing symptoms like swelling and discomfort. Compression stockings are highly effective in managing PVD, particularly for individuals with varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency. They are a non-invasive and easily accessible treatment option.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: In cases where compression stockings alone may not provide sufficient relief, minimally invasive procedures are considered. These procedures include endovenous ablation, sclerotherapy, and phlebectomy. Endovenous ablation uses heat to close off damaged veins, particularly helpful for varicose veins. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into smaller varicose or spider veins to collapse and close them. Phlebectomy is a surgical procedure to remove varicose veins through small incisions. These treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and improve the appearance of the legs.
Surgery: Surgical options are reserved for severe or complicated cases of PVD. Vein stripping may be performed to remove extensively damaged veins, while bypass surgery reroutes blood flow around severely blocked veins. These surgical interventions are less common and typically are considered when other treatments have not been effective. Patients with PVD should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual condition and needs. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary to manage PVD effectively and enhance vascular health.
Varicose & Spider Veins
Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are a common vascular condition that affects the veins in the legs. These veins become enlarged, twisted, and visibly bulge beneath the skin’s surface, typically appearing dark blue or purple. They are often painful and uncomfortable, causing symptoms such as aching, heaviness, and swelling in the legs, especially after prolonged periods of standing or sitting. Varicose veins develop when the one-way valves in the veins, responsible for directing blood flow back to the heart, become weakened or damaged. This malfunction allows blood to flow backward and pool in the veins, leading to their characteristic appearance. Treatment options for varicose veins range from conservative measures like wearing compression stockings to more invasive procedures such as endovenous ablation or surgical removal, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s symptoms.
Spider Veins: Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are smaller, thin veins that appear closer to the skin’s surface, often resembling spider webs or tree branches. They can be red, blue, or purple and are commonly found on the legs and face. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins are typically a cosmetic concern and may not cause significant physical discomfort or pain. They are often associated with factors like genetics, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy), sun exposure, and aging. While spider veins may not pose health risks, many individuals seek treatment for aesthetic reasons. Minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy or laser therapy are commonly used to reduce the appearance of spider veins, improving the overall appearance of the skin.
Signs and Symptoms of Varicose Veins
- Visible Veins
- Aching and Heaviness
- Pain and Discomfort
- Swelling
- Leg Cramps
- Skin Changes
Risk Factors of Varicose Veins
- Family History
- Age
- Gender (more common in women)
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Prolonged Standing or Sitting
Detection of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are commonly detected through a visual examination during a physical assessment, where healthcare providers look for enlarged, twisted veins beneath the skin’s surface, typically in the legs. This visual inspection is often sufficient to diagnose varicose veins. In some cases, Doppler ultrasound or venous duplex ultrasound may be employed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the veins’ structure and function, especially when there are concerns about the extent of the condition or the functionality of vein valves.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
Varicose Vein Ablation: Varicose Vein Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that serves as an alternative to traditional vein stripping surgeries. Guided by ultrasound, your physician inserts a thin catheter into the affected vein through a small skin opening. The catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy, heating the vein wall and causing the diseased vein to close. As a result, blood is redirected to healthier veins. Typically performed in an outpatient setting, this procedure offers patients favorable cosmetic outcomes with minimal to no scarring, bruising, or swelling. Most patients can return to their regular activities within a few days.
Ambulatory Phlebectomy: Ambulatory phlebectomy is a method for surgically removing varicose veins. This outpatient procedure involves making tiny incisions, usually requiring no stitches, and results in minimal scarring and post-operative discomfort.
Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy is a cosmetic procedure utilized to address varicose and spider veins. During this treatment, a small needle is used to inject a sclerosant solution directly into the affected vein, damaging its inner lining so that it can be absorbed by the body. Discomfort during the procedure is typically mild, lasting only a minute or two. Depending on the size and location of the veins, multiple sessions may be necessary. Spider veins generally respond to treatment within 3 to 6 weeks, while larger veins may take about 3 to 4 months to show improvement.
Peripheral Vascular Disease Treatment, Symptoms, Signs & Risks
What is Vascular?
Vascular disease encompasses a range of abnormal conditions affecting the body’s blood vessels, including both arteries and veins. Blood vessels serve as a vital network responsible for circulating blood throughout the body, nourishing organs and tissues. When issues arise within this extensive vascular network, they can lead to severe disability and, in some cases, life-threatening consequences.
Vascular diseases can manifest anywhere outside the heart, affecting various parts of the body. Common examples of vascular diseases include stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery disease (CAD), arteriovenous malformation (AVM), critical limb ischemia (CLI), pulmonary embolism (related to blood clots), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and varicose veins. Each of these conditions presents its unique set of challenges and potential complications, underscoring the importance of early detection and appropriate medical management.
Understanding The Vascular System
The vascular system, often referred to as the circulatory system, is a complex network of blood vessels that plays a vital role in the body’s functioning. It comprises two main types of blood vessels: arteries and veins. Arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to various parts of the body, while veins return oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart. Capillaries, which are tiny and numerous, connect arteries and veins and facilitate the exchange of nutrients, oxygen, and waste products between the blood and body tissues.
Blood Flow and Circulation: Blood circulation is a dynamic and continuous process driven by the pumping action of the heart. Oxygen-rich blood is pumped out of the heart’s left ventricle into the aorta, the largest artery, which branches out into smaller arteries. These arteries further divide into arterioles and eventually into capillaries, where oxygen and nutrients are released to nourish body cells and waste products like carbon dioxide are collected. The oxygen-depleted blood is collected by venules and then converges into larger veins that ultimately return it to the heart’s right atrium. From there, the blood is pumped into the right ventricle and subsequently into the lungs, where it is oxygenated once again, completing the circulation cycle.
Role in Health and Disease: The vascular system is crucial for maintaining overall health. Proper blood circulation ensures that tissues and organs receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients for their functioning. However, when the vascular system encounters disorders or diseases, it can have severe consequences. Conditions like atherosclerosis, which involves the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup, can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency are examples of venous disorders that can cause discomfort and affect quality of life. Understanding the vascular system’s role in health and its vulnerabilities to disease is essential for preventive measures, early detection, and effective medical management.
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