Vascular & Endovascular Surgery

Dr Peter Bray provides care for the following peripheral vascular conditions:

  • Arterial Disease
    • Aortic (Thoracic or Abdominal)
    • Iliac
    • Popliteal
    • Other (Splenic, Carotid or Pseudo/false)
  • Lower Limb Occlusive Disease
  • Mesenteric Occlusive Disease
  • Renal Occlusive Disease
  • Entrapment Syndromes
  • Rare Disorders
    • Arteritis
    • Vascular Tumours
  • Carotid Treatment (Stent or Open)
  • Venous Disease
  • Varicose Veins
  • Venous Thrombosis
  • Venous Entrapment
  • Ovarian Pelvic Congestion
  • Lymphoedema
  • Vascular Malformations
  • Haemodyalisis Access

What is Peripheral Vascular Disease?

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is the reduced circulation of blood to a body part other than the brain or heart. It is caused by a narrowed or blocked blood vessel. The main cause is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty deposits that narrow a blood vessel, usually an artery. The narrowed blood vessel reduces the circulation of blood to the associated body part. Peripheral vascular disease mainly affects blood vessels of the legs and kidneys and, less commonly, the arms.  When atherosclerosis occurs in arteries of the heart, it is called coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis in arteries of the brain is called cerebrovascular disease.

The main forms that PVD may take include blood clots (for example, deep vein thrombosis or DVT), phlebitis (inflammation), narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels and varicose veins.

When PVD affects only the arteries and not the veins, it is called peripheral arterial disease (PAD).  Diseases of the arteries include arterial blockage or constriction of the carotid, aortic, iliac, popliteal or splenic arteries.  It also includes aneurysmal disease.

When enough plaque builds up on the inside of an artery, the artery becomes clogged, and blood flow is slowed or stopped. This slowed blood flow may cause “ischemia,” which means that your body’s cells are not getting enough oxygen. Clogged peripheral arteries in the lower part of the body  (also referred to as peripheral artery disease or PAD) most often cause pain and cramping in the legs.

More detailed information on Peripheral Vascular Disease is available by clicking on the topic links provided below or by contacting Vascular Solutions:

 

 

© Vascular Solutions 2007