Peripheral Vascular Medicine

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) involves damage or blockage in the blood vessels beyond the heart.  These blood vessels are called the peripheral arteries and veins.  Peripheral arteries and veins carry blood to and from the arms and legs and organs in the abdomen. 

Peripheral vascular disease often involves a narrowing of these vessels that carry blood to the arms and legs.  A person with peripheral vascular disease may experience pain in the stomach or kidney or pain while walking.

Sometimes, peripheral vascular disease may also affect the carotid arteries, the arteries in the neck that carry blood to the brain.

Peripheral Vascular Surgery

Through diagnosis and treatment, BayCare Clinic cardiology specialists can help prevent peripheral vascular disease from causing organ damage and other serious health problems.

Our peripheral vascular surgeons have mastered the most advanced treatments available and perform the full breadth of peripheral vascular tests and procedures.  They treat conditions affecting the circulatory system, including the following:

  • Atherosclerosis -artery walls become abnormally thick or hard
  • Arterial occlusion and embolism -material in the bloodstream blocks blood flow
  • Carotid occlusive disease -carotid arteries become blocked
  • Aortic or femoral artery occlusive disease -the aorta or a femoral artery becomes blocked
  • Pulmonary embolism -blood clots travel to the lungs

Peripheral vascular medicine is closely linked to interventional cardiology.  Peripheral vascular procedures include diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the upper and lower extremities, kidneys, and carotid arteries.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a form of peripheral vascular disease. People with PAD develop widespread hardening and narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) from the gradual build-up of plaque.  When peripheral arterial disease becomes advanced, plaque obstructs the arteries in the lower abdomen, groin, and legs.   If blood flow is blocked, the patient risks heart attack, stroke, or loss of limb.

One way to restore circulation is with peripheral vascular bypass surgery.  This procedure restores blood flow by rerouting blood around the blockage.

Providers

Scott T. Weslow, MD