Do you also experience severe pain in your legs, especially when you walk for a short distance? Does the pain subside when you stop for a while, and then reappear when you start walking again? Or have you ever felt that even a small wound on your leg takes a long time to heal? This may be due to the fact that fat deposits have formed inside the veins (arteries) that carry blood to your legs, making them narrower, and your legs do not receive enough blood and oxygen. Today we will talk about a treatment method that treats this condition and restores good blood circulation to your legs.
What is Leg Revascularization?
Simply put, this is what it does if there is a narrowing or complete blockage in the blood vessels in your legs, and it repairs them and allows blood to flow properly again. Imagine a water pipe that has become clogged with dirt and is not flowing properly. It is similar to cleaning the pipe and making it flow properly again. Doctors can do this through open surgery or through minimally invasive methods.
What are these treatments?
There are various methods to restore blood flow to your legs. Your doctor will choose the method that is most suitable for you based on factors such as the severity of your condition and the location of the blocked vein. Let's take a look at the main methods.
| Treatment method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Angioplasty | A small balloon-tipped wire is passed through the blood vessel and the balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage, widening the vessel. It's like building a road from the inside of a blocked pipe. |
| Stents | After the artery is widened with angioplasty, a small metal tube, like a mesh, is placed inside to prevent it from narrowing again. |
| Atherectomy | Scraping away fatty deposits (plaque) that have built up on the walls of blood vessels with a small blade or a laser beam. |
| Bypass surgery | It's like building a new road (flyover) to bypass a busy road. Creating a new route for blood to bypass a blocked artery, using another vein or an artificial tube from within the body. |
| Endarterectomy | This is a surgical procedure. The blocked blood vessel is cut straight through, the fatty layer inside is removed, and the vein is sewn back together. |
Who needs this treatment?
This treatment is mainly needed for people with a condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) , which is when fatty deposits build up in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the legs, making them narrow and obstructing blood flow.
But not everyone with PAD needs these surgeries. The first steps to controlling this condition are to stop smoking, take the medication prescribed by the doctor, and do walking exercises.
But if the symptoms are very severe, meaning you have severe pain in your legs even when you are not doing anything , or if wounds in your legs do not heal (this is called `Critical Limb Ischemia`), then there is a higher chance that surgery will be needed.
How should I prepare before treatment?
Your doctor will carefully examine your condition and discuss with you the best treatment option for you. Before resorting to surgery, they will try to perform a minimally invasive procedure whenever possible.
Before treatment, your doctor will examine you, ask about your medical conditions, and order several necessary tests.
- Blood tests (Lab tests)
- Ultrasound scan
- A test that checks the functioning of the heart (Electrocardiogram - EKG)
- CT angiogram (Computed tomography angiogram)
- MR angiogram (Magnetic resonance angiogram)
- Stress test
- Angiogram
These tests can find out exactly where your blood vessels are blocked and how badly.
In addition,
- You will be advised to avoid eating or drinking from midnight the night before treatment.
- If you are a smoker, quitting completely is very important for good results.
- You may be asked to temporarily stop taking some medications . Do not stop taking any medication without your doctor's advice.
- You will also be instructed on how to wash your body in a special way the night before treatment.
What happens after treatment?
After the treatment, you will need to lie in bed for a few hours. Your condition will be monitored regularly and you will be given the necessary medication. The doctor will then do some more tests to see if the treatment was successful and if the blood vessel has become blocked again.
- Ankle-brachial index
- Ultrasound scan
- CT or MR angiogram
How long does it take to heal?
This will vary depending on the treatment you received.
- If you have had angioplasty or atherectomy , you will need to stay in the hospital overnight. It can take about a week to fully recover.
- If you have bypass surgery , you will need to stay in the hospital for two to five days. It can take six to eight weeks to fully recover.
How effective is the treatment? How to maintain long-term results?
These treatments are very effective. They can reduce leg pain, improve quality of life, and even prevent amputation in severe cases.
But the long-term success of the treatment depends on you. It is essential to change your lifestyle after treatment.
- If you smoke, quit today. This is the most important thing.
- If your doctor has prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications, take them exactly as prescribed.
- If you have been prescribed heart-protecting medications (e.g., aspirin), take them exactly as prescribed.
- Walk every day. Walking is the best exercise for this disease.
Are there any risks and complications with these treatments?
As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved. Don't be afraid of them, but it's important to be aware.
- Conditions such as heart disease
- Bleeding
- Infection of the incision wound
- Blood clotting
- Infection of the vein or tube used during bypass surgery
- Recurrence of symptoms
- Kidney damage
- Damage to a blood vessel
- Death (this happens very rarely)
Your doctor will explain these risks to you thoroughly.
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
You will be given follow-up days after treatment. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately without waiting for that day to arrive.
| Warning signs to look out for | |
|---|---|
| 🌡️ Fever or chills | 🩸 Bleeding or pus from the cut |
| 🩹 Redness, swelling, warmth, or increased pain around the wound | ❤️ Chest pain |
| 🦵 Numbness or difficulty moving the treated leg | swollen_leg: Increased swelling in the leg |
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with your daily life. But with these treatments, you can get well again and live a happy life. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the treatment and what will happen after it. It will also help you feel better.
Take-Home Message
- Don't ignore leg pain when walking as it's normal. It could be a sign of a blocked blood vessel. See a doctor immediately.
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a treatable condition, and leg revascularization is a very effective treatment.
- The long-term success of your treatment lies in your hands. It is essential to stop smoking, eat a healthy diet, exercise, and take the medications your doctor prescribes exactly.
- Ask your doctor any questions you have about your treatment or condition. Don't be afraid, being clear is part of the treatment.
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