Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Treatment in Dallas, TX
North Texas Vein and Vascular Treats Patients Suffering from PAD throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Area
Peripheral Artery disease is a condition that most often affects blood vessels in your legs, as arteries become blocked by a buildup of cholesterol. Dallas area PAD Specialist Dr. Robert Handley has over a decade diagnosing and treating peripheral vascular disease at his office near Dallas, TX. If you suffer from Peripheral Artery Disease and are looking for the best PAD treatment in the Dallas area, contact North Texas Vein and Vascular to schedule your consultation today.
Call Our Office at (972) 724-2000
What is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?
PAD is a serious condition that affects up to 10 million Americans. Commonly occurring in the legs and pelvis, peripheral artery disease is the most common form of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). It is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the outer areas of the body. The main culprit in developing PAD is atherosclerosis; a build-up of plaque along the arterial wall resulting in arteries becoming thick and stiff. PAD may also be a hereditary condition associated with obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and aging (over 60).
Common Symptoms of PAD
When the arteries of the legs become narrowed or blocked, you may start seeing signs of PAD. Typical symptoms experienced include leg pain with walking, leg pain at rest, and open wounds that will not heal and possibly tissue loss. Other symptoms of PAD include:
- Claudication: Pain, tightness, weakness or cramping in legs after exercise
- Numbness or coldness in outer extremities including legs, arms, fingers and toes
- Thinning or loss of hair on arms or legs
- Ulcers on the skin
- Loss of sensation in the arms or legs
- Muscle spasms
- Erectile dysfunction
How is PAD Diagnosed?
Ankle-Brachial Index
Proper diagnosis of PAD involves assessing the circulation in the legs and comparing blood pressures of the legs and arms (ankle-brachial index). Using a stethoscope, Dr. Handley can listen and assess circulation in the legs. The strength of the pulse in the legs is also checked. In turn, blood tests may be administered, along with treadmill tests, ultrasound, an MRI, electrocardiogram or an x-ray of blood vessels that have been injected with dye (angiography).
Diagnostic Angiography
This is a minimally invasive diagnostic examination that is used to determine the extent of disease present in the arterial system. A small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin thru a tiny nick in the skin. The catheter is then directed to the area of the body which is to be studied using special X-ray equipment called flouroscopy. Examination of the arteries going to the legs can frequently be done in the office. The exam is also used specifically to diagnose blockages in those arteries.
CT Arteriogram
If a blockage is seen, the appropriate treatment can also be performed at the same time. Often, another procedure called a CT arteriogram will be performed prior to a diagnostic angiography in order to get a basic idea of where the problem may be. The diagnostic angiogram, which is more detailed than the CT arteriogram, can then be focused on the areas that are most likely to be the cause of the problem.
Treatment Options for PAD at North Texas Vein and Vascular
Patients suffering from Peripheral Artery Disease can be treated as an outpatient procedure at our office near Dallas. Dr. Handley offers comprehensive treatment options, including in-office procedures for same-day treatment. After the cause is identified, a treatment plan is developed by our team that’s best for your individual health. Very mild cases may include recommendations for a diet to help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure, or an exercise plan to help relieve pain from intermittent claudication.
You may also need medications to reduce leg pain or to thin blood and treat hypertension or high cholesterol. If more advanced treatment is needed, you’ll receive excellent care. Dr. Handley is an expert at non-surgical procedures to treat cholesterol blockages.
For more severe cases of PAD, Dr. Handley utilizes the latest devices and most advanced treatment techniques including:
- Atherectomy – Opens blocked or narrowed blood vessels by removing some of the plaque with a small device inserted into the blood vessel.
- Angioplasty – Performed to further open the blood vessel by inserting a very small balloon into the vessel and inflating it.
- Stenting – The placement of a small metal wire tube into a blood vessel, can be performed if necessary to keep the blood vessel open.
Recovery After PAD Treatment
Later in the day after your PAD procedure, you may go home. If you’re from out of town, you can also go to a Dallas area hotel. You must have a familiar driver, as you will be sleepy from the sedation.
Upon discharge, medications are received for pain management. Patients can expect to begin returning to normal activities within a few days. To check on your recovery, Dr. Handley will also schedule your post-procedure appointments. These appointments typically take place one week post-procedure, and three months post-procedure.
For more information on PAD treatment in our office near Dallas and Fort Worth, request an appointment online or call (972) 619-7260.
