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In addition to lifestyle modifications
and medications, Loyola
offers a range of treatments for vascular disease, including:
Carotid endarterectomy
Endovascular repair
Phlebectomy
Renal artery angioplasty and stenting
Traditional/open surgery
Varicose vein ablation
Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy, or revascularization, is an operation
to remove the inner lining of your carotid artery if it
has become thickened or blocked. The procedure involves
opening the artery and removing the blockage of plaque.
This usually occurs under general anesthesia in the operating
room; hospitalization may last two to five days following
the surgery.
Endovascular Repair
Endovascular repair was approved by the Food & Drug
Administration in 1999. The treatment is recommended
for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms. It is
a minimally invasive procedure that requires two small
incisions in the groin area. The aneurysm is relined
with a graft. The average hospital stay is two to three
days with total recovery time of approximately one to
two weeks. The procedure requires diligent annual follow-ups
on the part of the patient. Long-term success has yet
to be established.
Phlebectomy
Phlebectomy typically is performed in conjunction
with varicose vein ablation to help close up the vein.
It is done in the office under local anesthesia.
Renal Artery Angioplasty and
Stenting
The first line of treatment for renal artery stenosis
is balloon dilatation and stent placement. These procedures
are similar to balloon angioplasty and stents in the
heart. A small tube is inserted into the artery near
the groin area. From this tube, blockages can be treated
with a balloon and/or a stent. The balloon is inflated,
which stretches the narrowed artery, then the stent
is placed to keep the artery open. This does not require
general anesthesia, and patients usually return home
the following day.
Traditional/Open Surgery
Traditional or open surgery often is the recommended
treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm or severe cases
of renal artery stenosis. The surgery is done through
a large incision in the abdomen or side to open the
aneurysm and implant a graft. Patients are typically
hospitalized for one week and total recovery time takes
approximately one to three months. This type of surgery
has been proven effective in long-term studies.
Varicose Vein Ablation
Varicose vein ablation or radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
offers a less invasive alternative to standard surgery.
Ablation procedures use heat energy from either radio
waves or a laser source to seal the afflicted vein.
Ablation uses a catheter, or small tube, which is inserted
through a small nick in the skin. The laser or radiofrequency
energy is delivered through the catheter; this heats
and seals the vein. Only local anesthesia is required.
Treatment may last about two hours. Depending on the
severity of the varicose veins, treatment may be performed
on each leg at separate appointments.
If you would like to make an appointment or need assistance
to find an appropriate physician, please call us at
(888) LUHS-888.
Related Links
Vascular tests
Catheterization
treatments
Interventional
neuroradiology conditions and procedures
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