We have a highly skilled team who can provide a wide range of services from diagnosis to treatment.
Peripheral vascular surgery is the surgical treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Doctors recommend peripheral vascular surgery for patients with PAD that have not responded to medications or lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise.
Common forms of peripheral vascular surgery include:
The goals of these peripheral artery interventions are to improve circulation, decrease pain, improve limb function, and prevent amputation.
Presbyterian Heart and Vascular Care has a skilled vascular care team who can provide a wide range of services from diagnosis to treatment. Their surgeons are trained in many different techniques and procedures, many of which can provide you with a shorter recovery period and less hospital time.
If non-coronary angioplasty and other treatments or lifestyle changes do not work on your PAD, or if multiple vessels are blocked, you may be eligible for peripheral vascular surgery.
Symptoms of PAD that may lead to treatment include:
Peripheral vascular surgery is used to treat PAD. In PAD, the blood vessels leading to the arms and legs are narrowed or clogged, so blood has a hard time getting through. Blood carries oxygen, which is essential for the normal functioning of your body's tissues. Decreased blood flow to the limbs increases the risk of tissue death, which may require amputation.
You can prepare for peripheral vascular surgery by:
The details of your surgery will depend on which surgical procedure is performed.
After surgery, you will be in a recovery room, where nurses will monitor your vital signs until the effects of anesthesia wear off.
After an endarterectomy, most people spend one to two days recovering in the hospital. People who have bypass surgery spend 3-8 days in the hospital after surgery. You may be in an intensive care unit (ICU) room for the first few days. Your care team will get you moving within 48 hours of surgery. Walking encourages blood flow and prevents common postoperative complications, such as pneumonia.
You will have pain, swelling, and possibly bruising at your incision sites. Your care team will give you pain medicine.
It is important to keep your follow-up appointments. Your doctor needs to check your blood flow to your limbs and surgical incisions to heal properly. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor: