Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a common circulation problem that affects 8-12 million people in the United States. Though not everyone with PVD needs surgical intervention, Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, in Somerville, New Jersey, performs procedures that treat this condition, improving circulation and reducing the risk of complications. To find out more about surgery for peripheral vascular disease, call the office or schedule a consultation online today.

What is peripheral vascular disease?

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD), also called peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a progressive circulation problem that involves the peripheral blood vessels (the blood vessels in the arms and legs).

Over time, plaque (atherosclerosis) builds up along the walls of these blood vessels, narrowing or blocking the flow of blood, and affecting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. 

Though PVD may affect any peripheral blood vessel, it most often affects the blood vessels in the legs. 

What are the symptoms of peripheral vascular disease?

You can have PVD and not know it because it doesn’t always cause symptoms. However, leg pain is the most common symptom. With PVD, you may only have leg pain when walking or climbing stairs. That type of leg pain is called claudication.

Other symptoms of PVD include:

• Numbness or heaviness in the legs
• Burning or aching sensation in the feet or toes
• Skin on the leg feels cooler
• Change in skin color

If you have these symptoms, talk to your primary care provider about testing to assess blood flow in your legs.

Who needs surgery for peripheral vascular disease?

Not everyone with PVD needs surgery. When caught early, you can reverse the condition with lifestyle changes. However, you may need surgery for PVD if it causes severe leg pain or limits your mobility.

Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, conducts thorough evaluations to determine if surgery is the right choice for you.

What are the types of surgery for peripheral vascular disease?

Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, performs many procedures to treat PVD using minimally invasive endovascular surgery. Some of the surgeries they perform include:

Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a surgical procedure that opens the blood vessel to improve blood flow. Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, may perform a balloon angioplasty or laser angioplasty to open the blocked or narrowed blood vessel.

Stenting

Following angioplasty, your Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, provider places a stent to keep the blood vessel open.

Atherectomy

During atherectomy, your provider inserts a catheter into your blood vessel and uses a special blade to remove some of the plaque along the wall.

Peripheral artery bypass surgery

During peripheral artery bypass surgery, your provider at Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, uses a graft that diverts the flow of blood around the blocked area. 

Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, is a state-of-the-art practice that uses the most advanced techniques so you get the best outcomes. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.