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Tag: Vascular Disease

Vascular Surgeons the real “vascular specialists”

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Vascular Surgeons diagnose, treat, and manage the full spectrum of vascular diseases.

“If you only have a hammer you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

Some vascular “specialists” perform one or two kinds of vascular interventions, so their patients tend to get those treatments. Vascular Surgeons are trained in all treatment modalities and are able to perform every type of procedure skillfully: open, complicated surgery and minimally invasive, in-office endovascular procedures. Some patients need one, some need the other, while many need no surgery at all. Vascular Surgeons are “treatment agnostic,” that is, they do not prefer any treatment over another.

Some types of surgeons come into your life to perform a procedure, make sure you heal and then leave; that’s their role. A vascular surgeon is someone who treats you on an ongoing basis for decades. A vascular surgeon very often has long-term relationships with patients because vascular disease can be a long-term condition.

At Western Vascular Institute, patients will get the best treatment for their particular needs in a caring and safe environment by a vascular surgeon with a full toolbox of treatment options!

https://vascular.org/patients/what-vascular-surgeon

https://www.westernvascular.com/about/

Ankle Brachial Index

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Ankle Brachial Index

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a simple and non-invasive test that measures the blood pressure in the ankles and arms to evaluate the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) or other vascular conditions. It is an essential diagnostic tool used by healthcare professionals to assess the circulation in the lower extremities. Here’s how the ABI works and why it is important:

Procedure:

During an ABI test, blood pressure measurements are taken at the ankles and arms using a blood pressure cuff and a Doppler ultrasound device.

The procedure typically involves the following steps:
  • The person undergoing the test lies down in a supine position.
  • Blood pressure cuffs are placed on the arms and ankles.
  • The healthcare provider uses a Doppler ultrasound device to detect and amplify the sounds of blood flow in the arteries.
  • The cuffs are inflated to temporarily stop blood flow, and then gradually deflated to measure the systolic blood pressure at each location.
  • The ratio of ankle pressure to arm pressure is calculated to determine the Ankle-Brachial Index.
    Interpretation:
  • The ABI is calculated by dividing the higher of the ankle pressures by the higher of the arm pressures. Here’s how the ABI results are interpreted:
Normal ABI (0.90-1.30): A normal range indicates that blood flow in the lower extremities is normal, and there is no significant obstruction or blockage in the arteries.
ABI < 0.90: A lower ABI value suggests the presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which indicates reduced blood flow to the legs and feet. The lower the ABI value, the more severe the blockage or narrowing of the arteries.
ABI > 1.30: A higher ABI value may indicate the presence of non-compressible arteries, often seen in individuals with calcified or hardened arteries.

 

Importance of ABI Testing: The ABI test is an important diagnostic tool for several reasons:

Early Detection of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD):

ABI testing helps identify PAD at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention and management. Early detection and treatment can prevent the progression of PAD, reduce symptoms, and lower the risk of complications such as non-healing wounds or amputation.

Assessing Cardiovascular Risk:

PAD is often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. ABI testing helps identify individuals who may be at a higher risk for these events, allowing for appropriate interventions and preventive measures.

Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness:

For individuals diagnosed with PAD, ABI testing can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and track changes in blood flow over time. Regular ABI measurements help healthcare providers assess the response to interventions such as lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgical procedures.

Screening in High-Risk Populations:

ABI testing is recommended for individuals who are at a higher risk of developing PAD, such as those with diabetes, a history of smoking, hypertension, or high cholesterol. It is a valuable screening tool to identify early signs of peripheral artery disease in these populations.

Remember, ABI testing should be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a vascular specialist or a cardiologist, to ensure accurate results and appropriate interpretation. If you have concerns about your leg circulation or risk factors for peripheral artery disease, consult with your healthcare provider to determine if ABI testing is necessary.

 

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Posted on by Western Vascular Institute in , ,

Symptoms:

can occur without warning signs
Also felt as discomfort in the affected area including Swelling and pain the affected leg. Additionally, redness and warmth along the vein where the clot is found.

Causes


Coagulation of blood is an important process that helps to prevent excessive bleeding during injury. However, in the absence of Injury, when the blood is not flowing properly or if it pools in the veins the platelets in the blood that help with coagulation can stick together and cause it to clot.

a. Inactivity- During a long flight or drive
b. Damage to a vein
c. Cancer or other diseases that cause your blood to clot more easily
d. Medications
e. Hormones


Risk Factors

a. Age
b. Obesity
c. Pregnancy
d. Family History of DVT
e. Having a catheter placed in a vein
f. Deep vein injury
g. Smoking

Diagnosis


Your vascular surgeon will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history as well as performing a thorough physical examination.

a. Duplex ultrasound to check the flow of blood in the area of the perceived clot. A Venograph can also be done by injecting a contrast dye into the vein under x-ray to see where the dye is allowed to pass through. The X-ray will show a mapping of your veins and show the area where the contrast dye was unable to pass through. Although DVT’s can generally be diagnosed by duplex ultrasound, venography is another option Western Vascular Institute has available to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments


Most often a Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT can be treated by a medication known as blood thinners or anticoagulants. These medications help prevent the blood from clotting and over time reduce the size and consistency of the clot.

Staying Healthy


Maintain good overall health including a healthy diet and staying physically active will help reduce the risk of a DVT. It is likewise important to maintain a healthy weight and make sure to follow up with your vascular surgeon to discuss the possibility of long-term blood thinner medications.

https://www.westernvascular.com/vein-center/deep-vein-thrombosis/

https://vascular.org/patients/vascular-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis

 

Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation or RFA procedure

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Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a vascular surgeon that utilizes radiofrequency energy to heat a catheter element which, when inserted into the vein, shrinks the wall of the vessel. This shrinkage or ablation of the vein closes off the blood flow to the incompetent area of the vein allowing the vein to create new healthy pathways where it is needed.

Peripheral Artery Disease Awareness month

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September is Peripheral vascular disease awareness month.  PVD or PAD / Peripheral Arterial Disease is a chronic disease where plaque gradually builds up in the arteries leading to limited blood flow or entirely block the flow of blood also called an occlusion.

This Plaque that builds up in your arteries and veins is a waxy fatty substance caused by high levels of cholesterol and worsened by smoking. The plaque builds up on the arterial or vessel wall as it passes through the vessels along with the blood and can lead to the hardening or atherosclerosis of the arteries and eventual occlusion. Peripheral arterial disease is a very common disease affecting 1 in 20 Americans over the age of 50.

 

 

What does a Vascular Surgeon do? An Informative Look into Vascular Care

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A Vascular Surgeon is a highly trained specialist that focuses on diseases of the vascular system.

Vascular Surgeons treat the arteries and veins responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood throughout your body and returning it to your heart.

“Vascular surgeons treat every artery & vein of the body except the brain & heart”

More than just surgery, a Vascular Surgeon educates patients on their disease process and helps provide every treatment option available.

Vascular surgeons are trained to know when to perform vascular surgery, but more importantly when not to perform surgery.

Vascular surgeons are trained in complicated open, as well as minimally invasive endovascular procedures.

Because they are able to provide all treatment options they are not biased to perform the one or two procedures within their scope.

 

Western Vascular Welcomes Dr. Dawn Olsen

Posted on by Western Vascular Institute in

Western Vascular Institute is proud to welcome Dr. Dawn Olsen D.O to WVI’s esteemed group of Vascular surgeons.

Dr. Olsen is a skilled Vascular Surgeon who has devoted herself to caring for those with vascular disease. Initially, Dr. Olsen became a vascular Physician Assistant (PA) at the Arizona Heart Institute under the tutelage of world-recognized surgeon, Dr. Edward B. Diethrich. After years of unparalleled service as a vascular PA Dr. Olsen further realized her dedicated passion for vascular medicine, and in 2008 returned to school to gain her medical degree of osteopathic medicine at the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Olsen is residency-trained in peripheral and endovascular surgery, and also certificated in both wound care and non-invasive vascular ultrasound. Dr. Olsen has co-authored nearly 30 peer reviewed publications including book chapters, and has presented at meetings across the United States and abroad. Having more than 14 years of diverse experience, she has returned to the Arizona and is excited to help improve the lives of those suffering from venous and vascular diseases and conditions.

Dr. Olsen is seeing patients at all three Western Vascular Institute locations

Including:

  • Phoenix
  • Mesa
  • Payson

Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Olsen at (480) 668-5000