PAD/PVD

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is poorly functioning blood vessels that supply the legs and feet. PAD occurs due to narrowing of the arteries in the legs resulting in decreased blood flow, which can injure nerves and other tissues.

PAD is caused by atherosclerosis that occurs when fatty material or plaques builds up on the walls of your arteries and makes them narrower. As a result, the walls of the arteries also become stiffer and cannot widen. Poor delivery of oxygen rich blood and the oxygen demand of the tissue cannot be supplied. Muscles cannot be adequately supplied and requires much more work, resulting in pain and other symptoms.

PAD is a common disorder. It most often affects men over age 50, but women can have it as well.

People are at higher risk if they have a history of:

• Abnormal cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Kidney disease

• Smoking

• Stroke

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a type of swelling that occurs in your body’s soft tissue. Lymph is a fluid that comprised of white blood cells that defend against germs. It can build up when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. It usually happens in the arms or legs.

Causes of lymphedema include

• Infection

• Cancer

• Age

• Poor valves in the veins

• Liver disease

• Kidney disease

Treatment can help control symptoms. It includes exercise, compression devices, compressive dressings, skin care, and massage. Many insurances insurance cover lymphedema pumps but require a physician to prescribe the devices.

ABI PVR

Pulse Volume Recording (PVR) is a vascular test that is non-invasive, pain free, and can be done in an outpatient setting. PVR uses and ultrasound device and blood pressure cuffs to obtain information about the arterial blood flow in the arms and legs. Other names include vascular study or Doppler segmental pressure study.

The ankle brachial index (ABI) is a measurement of the blood pressure in the lower leg relative to the blood pressure in the arm. Blood pressure cuffs are placed on the arm and leg and inflated, while the Doppler is used to listen to the blood flow in the leg and arm. Normally, the blood pressures in your ankle and arm should be about equal. But if the pressure in your lower extremities is lower than of your arms, it could be a sign of PVD.

We perform this service at our Elizabeth location.

Gangrene

Gangrene is the death of tissues in your body. Gangrene occurs when a part of your body loses its blood supply and dies. Gangrene can occur anywhere but is common in the toes and feet.

Causes include:

• Trauma

• Poor circulation

• Diabetes

Skin symptoms may start with blue or black color changes followed by pain, numbness, and sores. Eventually the area will become black and may produce a foul-smelling discharge.

Gangrene is a serious condition and requires immediate attention and it may become infected. Treatment includes surgery, antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In severe cases an amputation may be necessary.

 

Hyperbaric Medicine

 During Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the amount of oxygen in your body is increased, thus increasing the blood oxygen levels. These increased levels can help promote healing and fight infection.

 

We perform hyperbaric oxygen therapy at our Elizabeth location.