Veins and arteries play an essential role in the proper blood circulation of your body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to every part of the body. At the same time, veins carry oxygen-deprived blood back to the heart. Thus, veins and arteries have their own purpose and function in the human body. Many conditions can have adverse effects on these blood vessels.
Vascular surgeons are here to treat any problem or blockage in your arteries and veins. They usually monitor and diagnose the problem in your affected vein or artery and manage it with proper treatment. Treatment includes medicines, exercises, diet and specific physical therapy.
Different procedures have been used to treat veins and arteries. Some of them are discussed below:
- Blood Clot Filters
DVT is a blood clot formation, which often happens in the leg. It is considered dangerous as it may flow to the lungs and cause blockage of blood to the lungs, which leads to various adverse effects. This situation is known as Pulmonary Embolism, and it can be life-threatening.
A blood clot filter is a small metallic device installed in a vein to prevent the clot from traveling towards the lungs. This procedure is effective in stopping the clot from blocking the blood flow towards the lungs. However, it doesn’t terminate the clot formation in the body.
- Procedure for PAD
PAD is caused by minor blockage or clogging of the blood in the legs or arms. This results in pain or cramping in the legs or arms while walking. Procedures to treat PAD are usually considered dangerous. Your doctor will monitor the intensity of pain and then make a treatment plan that suits you.
- Ultrasound tests for spider veins
Spider veins are the formation of blue lines or dots on the surface of the skin. They are not considered fatal and are treated automatically after a few days. However, these are different from varicose veins, including pain, bleeding, thickened brown blood, etc. Your doctor will have ultrasound tests or therapy on you to treat it quickly in such a case.
- Tests for dialysis access
Dialysis machines are used in people with kidney failure to cleanse their blood. Specific access is made on the wrist or arm to enter the tubes of the dialysis machine. In case there is some problem in “access,” then your doctor will perform specific procedures such as angioplasty. Ultrasound scans or tests are used to detect the access problem. This test is known as a fistulogram.
Dialysis patients must take care of the access site to prevent further problems. They can protect access by following:
- Avoid carrying heavy items with the access arm
- Avoid sleeping on it
- Don’t put tight clothing or jewelry on it
- Avoid drawing blood, checking blood pressure or installing an IV on that arm
If you feel any problem with your access site, make sure to contact your doctor as soon as possible.