Advanced Wound Care Techniques: Innovations in Vascular Wound Management

Vascular wounds are notoriously challenging to treat when using only conventional approaches. Oftentimes, patients who have venous ulcers and other vascular wounds also experience poor circulation, which can impede overall healing. 

Fortunately, vascular surgeons are equipped with cutting-edge techniques that provide the specialized care and management vascular wounds need to heal properly. Here’s a look into some of the most innovative treatment options for vascular wounds.

Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an advanced technique that utilizes sub-atmospheric pressure to remove fluids that could cause or increase infection. Vacuum assisted closure (VAC) is the current standard for NPWT, and involves using a computerized suction pump to apply pressure to a sterile, polyurethane dressing placed over your wound area. The controlled pressure aids in cleansing and drawing out fluids, while also promoting blood flow and tissue formation.

Advanced Dressings

Keeping vascular wounds covered is an important aspect of preventing foreign materials from entering, which could increase the risk of infection. Instead of applying traditional bandages however, vascular surgeons can utilize advanced dressings that can stimulate healing. For instance, dressings may be infused with growth factors and antimicrobial agents to support tissue formation while also minimizing infection risk. 

Hydrogel dressings are also commonly used for ulcers and other non-healing wounds. These innovative bandages contain a high degree of water content, and can either absorb or release liquid as needed, depending on the status of the tissue underneath.

Skin Substitutes

Skin substitutes can be biologic (derived from natural sources) or synesthetic. One example is the cultured epidermal autograft, or bioengineered skin consisting of small amounts of cells derived from a patient’s own skin or hair. 

These skin substitutes introduce living cells at the wound site to stimulate repair. Some synthetic skin substitutes have also been made available in recent years. While traditional skin grafting remains an option for patients with vascular wounds, these other, more innovative alternatives may come with fewer risks and side effects.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) therapies

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional structural component found in human tissue, acting as a natural scaffolding. It features proteins such as collagen and elastin, among other proteins your body can utilize for healing and repair. ECM plays an important role in wound healing, including tissue anchoring and cellular signaling. Some surgeons are implanting ECM to stimulate healing for chronic wounds, as ECM is believed to send signals that recruit stem cells to aid in tissue repair.

Stem Cell Therapies

ECM isn’t the only therapy that leverages stem cells to promote wound healing. Researchers have also experimented with stem cells derived from adipose (fat) tissue as well as bone marrow as a treatment for non-healing wounds. While research into these therapies is ongoing, stem cells’ ability to self-renew and differentiate into specific cell types makes them a viable candidate for vascular wound healing.

If you’re living with an ulcer or another non-healing wound, Vascular Surgical Associates can help. Our specialists excel in treating venous ulcers, surgical wounds, and diabetic ulcers through a range of cutting-edge treatments, including several of those listed above. To schedule an appointment, fill out our online request form or call 770-423-0595.

Venous ulcers are wounds or open sores that typically develop on your lower leg or ankle, and fail to heal for weeks or longer. Also known as stasis ulcers, these wounds are often painful and require special care. If you suspect you could have a venous ulcer, here’s what you should know.

What Causes Venous Ulcers?

While venous ulcers can develop anywhere in your body, poor circulation issues often cause them to form in your lower extremities. For instance, when functioning properly, valves inside your leg veins reduce fluctuating blood pressure when you’re out for a walk. But when these valves are compromised, they can’t allow naturally higher blood pressure to drop in response to the motion of your muscles. When this excess pressure builds up in your lower legs, sustained venous hypertension and resulting venous wounds can form.

Venous ulcers can also result from varicose veins: large bulging veins that develop when blood pools in your lower legs. Several factors can cause varicose veins, including pregnancy, constipation, being overweight, having a family history of varicose veins, and spending long periods of time sitting.

Chronic venous insufficiency can also cause venous ulcers. Similar to varicose veins, this condition differs in that it includes swelling within your entire leg, caused by clots that damage the valves inside your veins. This swelling creates excess blood pressure which can lead to developing ulcers. 

How to Care for Venous Ulcers

Care for venous ulcers often starts with addressing any underlying vein issues. For instance, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious blood clot that first demands immediate medical intervention before any resulting venous ulcers can be addressed. Treatment for DVT could include blood thinners or a catheter-directed procedure to break up the clot. Other venous conditions may not require such immediate treatment, but should still be first addressed to prevent further complications.

Once any serious medical concerns are under control, venous ulcers must receive proper care in order to heal, and prevent infection. Ulcer care may be as simple as cleaning the wound, applying a dressing, and changing the dressing regularly. Dressings containing medicine such as hydrogel or hydrocolloid can promote faster healing, and may be prescribed if you have a particularly stubborn ulcer. Your wound care specialist will offer guidance for dressing changes and which type to use.

Besides direct care for your wound, there are other methods you can use to encourage healing. For example, your doctor may prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic to reduce the risk of infections. Or, you may be advised to wear compression socks to stimulate healthy blood flow. 

While proper, professional care aids in the healing process, venous ulcers can be notoriously challenging medical concerns. Generally, less-invasive approaches are prioritized, but in extreme cases, your doctor may advise surgery or a skin graft to prevent further tissue damage and to close up the affected skin.

Whether you have a venous ulcer, varicose veins, or a similar concern, turn to our vein specialists for help. With 13 board-certified surgeons on board, our experienced and compassionate team can discuss treatments to get your vein health back on track. Find your most convenient location online or call 770-423-0595 directly to schedule an appointment.

Vascular wounds, such as ulcers, can be slow to heal, and often result from circulatory problems, which can further impede wound repair. “Poor circulation in the arteries often keeps the proper amount of nutrients and oxygen from reaching the wound,” explains Dr. Winter. “This deficiency can also affect how waste is removed from the blood.”

Vascular wounds are therefore at an increased risk for issues like infection. But proper care, including the right nutrition, can support your recovery.

How Does Nutrition Affect Wound Healing?

While not all ulcers or vascular wounds are caused by malnutrition, many patients with malnutrition can develop chronic, non healing wounds. This relationship indicates that without the right nutrients, even minor injuries can become complex wounds.

Malnutrition is generally now more rare in the U.S., thanks to the availability of fresh produce, wholesome foods, and enriched pantry products. But among older adults, malnutrition deaths have more than doubled in recent years, increasing the level of concern.

Proper nutrition is important for countless health outcomes, but it’s especially critical when it comes to wound repair. The process of healing requires increased energy for all systems. This calls for more protein, for example, as your body uses amino acids to repair tissue and renew cells. Carbohydrates also play an essential role in supporting your body’s inflammatory response and proper cellular activity. 

Beyond these macronutrients, there are several micronutrients that enable healing at a cellular level, including the amino acids arginine and glutamine, vitamins A and C, and the mineral zinc. Other substances found in food – including curcumin, a compound in turmeric – may also have healing properties.

In summary, ensuring you’re getting the right amount of the right nutrients can make a difference in your overall health, and the repair of your wound. 

The Best Diet to Promote Vascular Wound Healing

A nutritional diet won’t make up for poor wound care, but it is a significantly meaningful aspect of a well-rounded approach towards healing. Here are a few dietary tips to bear in mind.

Choose Healthy Proteins

Since the amino acids in protein can fuel cell repair, load up on lean proteins like eggs, milk, beans, and poultry. Be selective in your protein choices, however: many meat and dairy products are high in saturated fats, which increase your cholesterol levels (and thus affect circulation and healing). Avoid or cut back on beef, lamb, and pork, as well as rich dairy products like lard, cream, and butter.

Fill Up on Fruits & Veggies

Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli are high in Vitamin A, which supports tissue growth and repair. Other good sources include tomatoes, red bell peppers, cantaloupe, and mango. For a hefty dose of healing vitamin C, choose cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts or cabbage, or reach for citrus fruits such as oranges, kiwi, and grapefruit.

Cook with Curcumin

As you’re healing, harness the power of curcumin by adding turmeric to your dishes. The compound has been found to stimulate growth factors that aid in wound healing, but it’s also beneficial for its antimicrobial properties. Add some of the seasoning to stews, rice dishes, soups, sauces, or marinades for an earthy, pleasantly bitter flavor.

If you’ve been diagnosed with carotid artery disease, allow Vascular Surgical Associates to discuss treatment options with you. We have 13 board-certified surgeons who specialize in treating the condition and can help you make an informed decision that’s best for your health. See our locations online or call 770-423-0595 to schedule an appointment.

Drs. Arun Chervu, John E. Jones, and Shariq Sayeed appear in Atlanta magazine’s July issue

Three physicians from Vascular Surgical Associates rank among Atlanta’s Top Doctors in Atlanta magazine’s July issue. Drs. Arun Chervu, John Jones, and Shariq Sayeed receive the honor, which annually recognizes notable physicians among the area’s healthcare landscape.

“We would like to congratulate our three physicians that appear on this year’s Atlanta magazine’s Top Doctors list,” says Tiffany Little, executive director & COO of Vascular Surgical Associates. “At Vascular Surgical Associates, we remain committed to delivering cutting-edge vascular care to our valued patient community. This recognition serves as a testament to our practice’s mission and aim.”

Atlanta magazine creates its list from a roster of doctors selected by Professional Research Service (PRS). More than 1,000 physicians appear on the publication’s 2023 list. These doctors represent the following counties in Georgia: Carroll, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, and Rockdale. PRS creates its list by conducting an online peer-review survey of physicians in the metro Atlanta area. Physicians are asked to nominate fellow physicians they deem the best in their field of practice. Many votes were cast honoring excellence in all fields of medicine. The featured doctors were screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through applicable boards, agencies, and rating services.

To schedule an appointment call 770-423-0595 or visit vascularsurgical.com/.

Dr. Arun Chervu is a partner at Vascular Surgical Associates, PC in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Chervu received his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering at Princeton University, graduating magna cum laude and received his Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College. He completed his surgical residency and fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Chervu’s hospital appointments include Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital. He is actively involved in clinical research and is director of clinical trials for Vascular Surgical Associates.

Dr. John E. Jones is president and CEO of Vascular Surgical Associates. He received his undergraduate degree in English literature at the University of Georgia. He then received his Doctor of Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia. He went on to complete his surgical residency at Boston University Medical Center, followed by his Vascular Surgery Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital, also in Boston, MA. Dr. Jones is a member of the Society of Vascular Surgery and Georgia Vascular Society.

Dr. Shariq Sayeed received his undergraduate degree in biology at Emory University. He received his Doctor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. After completing his surgical residency, he pursued a Vascular/Endovascular Surgery Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Sayeed is board certified in general and vascular surgery. His hospital appointments include Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital.

Vascular Surgical Associates’ highly skilled team includes 13 board-certified vascular surgeons, all with years of experience diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. The entire team of healthcare professionals at Vascular Surgical Associates is dedicated to providing quality vascular care to our patients. Vascular Surgical Associates boasts non-invasive Vascular Labs, which are ICAVL accredited to perform non-invasive studies. Skilled registered vascular technologists specialize in vascular ultrasounds. This is a non-invasive way to image your arteries and veins in our office Go to vascularsurgical.com/ for daily updates. 

Interviews are available upon request.

Drs. Arun Chervu and Shariq Sayeed receive this peer-driven honor

Two physicians from Vascular Surgical Associates appear on the Atlanta’s Top Doctors list in the January issue of Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors magazine and in the April issue of The Atlantan magazine. Drs. Arun Chervu and Shariq Sayeed receive the honor, which annually recognizes notable physicians among the area’s healthcare landscape.

“We are grateful to have two of our own physicians appearing on the list,” says Tiffany Little, Executive Director and COO. “At Vascular Surgical Associates, we are dedicated to providing our patient community with cutting-edge vascular care, and this award is a testament to that.”

Modern Luxury Medicine + Doctors and The Atlantan magazines use a database of top doctors compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., an established healthcare research company based in New York. Each physician included is chosen through peer nomination, research, and a stringent vetting process. The publications feature 1,371 Top Doctors and 44 Rising Stars representing the following counties: Bartow, Bibb, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Floyd, Forsyth, Fulton, Greene, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Newton, Oconee, Paulding, Pickens, Rockdale, and Spalding.

To schedule an appointment call 770-423-0595 or visit vascularsurgical.com/

Dr. Aurun Chervu is a partner at Vascular Surgical Associates, PC in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Chervu received his undergraduate degree in Chemical EngineerAtlantaAllergy.com.ing at Princeton University, graduating Magna Cum Laude and received his Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College. He completed his surgical residency and fellowship at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Chervu’s hospital appointments include Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital. He is actively involved in clinical research and is Director of Clinical Trials for Vascular Surgical Associates.

Dr. Shariq Sayeed received his undergraduate degree in Biology at Emory University. He received his Doctor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. After completing his surgical residency he pursued a Vascular/Endovascular Surgery Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Sayeed is Board Certified in General and Vascular Surgery. His hospital appointments include Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar Cobb Hospital.

Vascular Surgical Associates highly skilled team includes 13 board certified vascular surgeons, all with years of experience diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. The entire team of healthcare professionals at Vascular Surgical Associates is dedicated to providing quality vascular care to our patients. Vascular Surgical Associates boasts an accredited non-invasive vascular lab at all nine locations, two angio suites, five vein clinics, and a very large wound department. Skilled registered vascular technologists specialize in vascular ultrasounds. This is a non-invasive way to image your arteries and veins in our office Go to vascularsurgical.com/ for daily updates. 

Interviews are available upon request.

When we think of occupational hazards, obvious dangers like heights and heavy machinery often come to mind. Yet, seemingly safer activities like long periods of sitting or standing at work could also be risky for your health. Here’s what you should know about job-related factors and vascular health. 

What Are Some Occupational Hazards that Impact Vascular Health?

Many people with desk jobs face long periods of sitting each day. Although sitting doesn’t seem inherently dangerous compared to activities like working with electricity or power tools, it does present serious health hazards that shouldn’t be overlooked.

For example, one study from New Zealand shows that employees who are mostly immobile at their desks have a 2.8-fold higher risk of a specific type of blood clot known as venous thromboembolism, compared to peers who move around more at work. 

The same research indicates that people with managerial or professional roles were most likely to experience blood clots compared to people with more active roles, such as trade workers. And, the longer you stay sedentary the more dangerous it becomes, with the risk of blood clots increasing up to 10% for each hour of sitting.

But it’s not just office workers who are at risk of blood clots: people who spend a lot of time on their feet at work may also experience vascular issues. As with sitting, prolonged or frequent standing in one place can also cause blood to pool in the legs, potentially leading to varicose veins. Medical workers, teachers, construction workers, landscapers, and other workers who spend a lot of time on their feet could face a higher risk of these venous issues.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Blood Vessels at Work?

The good news is you don’t have to switch career paths to keep your veins healthy. Whether your job involves long periods of sitting, standing, or both, you can follow these steps to prevent issues like varicose veins and blood clots.

Take Breaks 

Program your phone, watch, or another reminder system to alert you at least once an hour to take a break. If you’ve been seated for a while, stand up and take a short walk. If you’ve been on your feet, take a few minutes to sit.

Drink Water

Dehydration makes your blood thicker and more sluggish, which can slow circulation. Staying hydrated can promote strong blood flow. Be sure to sip plenty of water before, during, and after work.

Wear Compression 

Compression stockings put gentle pressure on the lower legs to encourage blood to travel back upwards after circulating through your feet. They can help reduce discomfort and leg swelling, and may prevent noticeable varicose veins from developing.

Elevate Your Feet 

Putting your feet up at the end of a long work day doesn’t just feel good. It can also help to prevent deep vein thrombosis, a serious type of blood clot, while also alleviating swelling and improving circulation. Keep your feet above your heart and lie with a slight bend at the knee. If possible, take several 20- to 30-minute breaks with your feet up throughout the day.

Venous diseases can develop in anyone. If you have a condition such as chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins, or are concerned your work routine may contribute to them, turn to Vascular Surgical Associates. Our vein experts offer a wide range of treatments catered to each patient’s specific needs. Request an appointment online or by calling 770-423-0595.

Carotid artery disease develops when your carotid arteries become narrower or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, or fatty deposits. Your carotid arteries supply blood to your brain and head, so blockages in these vessels can be serious. Compromised blood flow to your brain can lead to a stroke, a significant cause of death and disability throughout the U.S.

Unfortunately, carotid artery disease doesn’t usually present symptoms in its early stages. Most people don’t know they have it until the issue is pronounced enough to result in a stroke or a transient ischemic attack — a temporary shortage of blood flow to the brain. 

For this reason, doctors are becoming more proactive in helping patients assess their risk for carotid artery disease. Fortunately, there are screening options available for at-risk patients, as well as treatments to prevent serious complications. Here’s what you should know.

What Are the Risk Factors for Carotid Artery Disease?

There are several factors that can contribute to the accumulation of fatty deposits — made of cholesterol, fat, and blood cells — which can clog your blood vessels, including:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea
• High blood-fat levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol)
• Tobacco use
• A family history of carotid artery disease
• Sedentary lifestyle

How Do Doctors Screen for It?

If you have any of the risk factors for carotid artery disease, doctors may use a stethoscope to listen for abnormalities in the blood vessels of your neck. When your arteries are narrowed, a whistling sound known as a bruit may be detected via stethoscope. 

If carotid artery disease is suspected, there are some imaging tests doctors can use to confirm the size and location of the blockage, including:

• Duplex ultrasound to assess blood flow
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA), which uses special dye and X-rays to create detailed images of the carotid arteries
• Cerebral angiography, a procedure that involves injecting contrast material through a catheter into your arteries, allowing doctors to see the blockage in detail
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), a noninvasive imaging test that uses magnetic waves to produce images of your arteries

What Are the Treatments for Carotid Artery Disease?

The primary goal of carotid artery disease treatment is to slow its progression and prevent complications. For some people with minor narrowing of the arteries, lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation, dietary changes, and exercise may be sufficient. In more severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary. Here are some available treatments for carotid artery disease.

• Anti-Platelet Medication: Both over-the-counter options like aspirin and prescription medications can help control the binding of platelets to prevent blockages that lead to strokes. These approaches are ideal for patients for whom surgery is not indicated.
• Carotid Endarterectomy: In this surgical procedure, plaque is removed from the artery to reduce the risk of a blockage. Most patients go home the next day, and the surgery is considered safe and well-proven.
• Carotid Artery Stenting: In this procedure, a stent is inserted into the affected area of the artery to open it up, allowing for sufficient blood flow.
• Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR): This minimally invasive procedure is used to clear blockages and open narrowed arteries. Blood flow is temporarily reversed so any plaques that may detach during surgery are directed away from the brain.

If you’ve been diagnosed with carotid artery disease, allow Vascular Surgical Associates to discuss treatment options with you. We have eleven board-certified surgeons who specialize in treating the condition and can help you make an informed decision that’s best for your health. See our locations online or call 770-423-0595 to schedule an appointment.

Dialysis is a critical form of treatment for people with end-stage renal disease. Specifically, hemodialysis is a process in which your blood is transported through tubes to a dialysis machine, where it’s filtered and then returned to your body. 

In order for this process to occur, an access point — also known as a vascular or dialysis access — must be surgically created. Here’s a brief look into the common types and how they’re maintained to ensure dialysis treatments can continue.

What Are the Types of Dialysis Access?

All access placement is performed through minor surgery. Patients who receive hemodialysis will use one of the following access types:

• Fistula: This type of access is created by surgically joining an artery directly to a vein in your arm. The vein near the connection to the artery will slowly enlarge, and after about a month, it will become accessible via needles for dialysis. Until then, patients typically require a catheter to receive dialysis. Fistulas require more work to create but can last up to a decade.
• Graft: This access is made with a soft plastic tube that joins an artery and vein in your arm or groin. After the graft has healed, it can be accessed by two needles during dialysis. In the meantime, most patients will require a catheter. Because grafts are less likely to become infected, they’re often preferred over catheters.
• Catheter: A catheter access involves two plastic tubes that are joined wherever they’re placed in the body, such as your neck or groin. One of the tubes transports blood out of the body while the other returns filtered blood. While catheters are often used as an interim solution when fistulas or grafts are healing, they’re typically not recommended as a long-term solution because they have a higher risk of infection.

Some patients may instead receive peritoneal dialysis, which uses the abdominal lining and a sterile solution to cleanse the blood. This approach allows for either continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which is done by hand, or automated peritoneal dialysis, which is done by a machine. In either case, peritoneal dialysis requires catheter placement in the abdomen.

Your nephrologist (kidney specialist) will work closely with one of our vascular doctors to determine the best approach for your dialysis access.

How Can You Keep Dialysis Access Points Viable?

Access management is important to ensuring you’re able to receive dialysis treatments successfully. Here at Vascular Surgical Associates, we use ultrasound imaging to routinely monitor dialysis access. By catching issues early on, we can intervene quickly and prolong the life of the access. Some dialysis access management procedures include:

• Fistulogram: If a graft or fistula isn’t supplying the dialysis machine with enough blood, vascular surgeons may perform a fistulogram. This process works by injecting an IV contrast into the graft to determine areas where it may have narrowed or become blocked.
• Balloon Angioplasty: This procedure may be performed to open the blood vessel. Additionally, a metal stent can be placed to keep the blood vessel open.
• Declot Procedure: Should a clot form in the graft or fistula, you may receive one of two different declot treatments. Catheter-directed thrombolysis involves the removal of clots through the injection of medicine, while mechanical thrombectomy physically removes or breaks apart the clot.

If you’re seeking a team of vascular surgeons to assist you or a loved one in dialysis access management, turn to Vascular Surgical Associates. In addition to monitoring for and addressing issues with dialysis access, we can also perform catheter placement for immediate dialysis. Schedule an appointment with us online, or call 770-423-0595.

Though you may have heard the term “dialysis” before, unless you or a loved one has received this specific form of treatment, you may be unfamiliar with what it entails. 

Here’s a closer look into kidney care of this kind, including why it’s performed and what to expect from the process.

What Is the Purpose of Dialysis?

Dialysis is a medical treatment that helps the body remove excess fluid and other waste products when the kidneys are unable to do so on their own. The process was first developed in the 1940s and became the gold standard for kidney treatment by the 1970s. In the last several decades, dialysis has helped millions of patients with acute kidney injury and kidney failure.

Acute Kidney Injury

In cases of acute kidney injury, kidney failure happens rapidly, though it is usually temporary. Rather than being a blow to the kidney, this condition often develops as the result of another illness, such as in those receiving intensive care. In this condition, your kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products. This causes higher waste levels to develop in your body, and can alter your blood’s chemical makeup. It’s important to note that acute kidney injury doesn’t always require dialysis; in mild cases, treatments such as IV fluids may be used instead.

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure occurs when both kidneys are no longer functioning on their own. This can be caused by diabetes, some acute kidney injuries, and high blood pressure, among other medical conditions. Stages of kidney disease are defined based on how effectively your organs are filtering waste substances, otherwise known as your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A normal eGFR is 100, which means both kidneys are fully functional, while stage V is defined by an eGFR of 15 or below. Stage V is considered kidney failure and requires dialysis.

What Does the Dialysis Process Entail?

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

In hemodialysis, a machine cleans your blood via an access surgically created prior to treatment in your arm, neck, or groin. The filtering machine, known as a dialyzer, passes your blood through filters to clean it, then returns it back into your body. Hemodialysis typically takes three hours and is repeated three times per week. Oftentimes, patients need to visit a hospital or clinic to receive hemodialysis, but in some cases, it may be performed at home.

In peritoneal dialysis, your blood is filtered inside your body instead of by machine. For this approach, your own abdominal lining is used as a filter. Before treatment, a catheter is surgically placed in your abdomen. Your belly is then filled with a cleansing fluid known as dialysate, which is administered via a bag attached by tubes. Blood flows naturally through the area, with the dialysate working as a magnet to pull out excess fluid and waste. After several hours, the same catheter equipment is used to pull the waste products out of your body. This type of dialysis can be performed at home.

Everyone responds to dialysis differently, so speak to your doctor and care team about how it may impact you and your lifestyle. Turn to Vascular Surgical Associates for detail-oriented care if you or a loved one is due to start dialysis or needs assistance managing an existing dialysis access. Our specialists can place catheters into veins for immediate treatment, perform ongoing access monitoring, and provide interventions to prolong the lifespan of the access. You can find one of our nine convenient locations online, and learn more by calling us directly at 770-423-0595.

Carotid artery disease develops when deposits known as plaques form in your carotid arteries, which transport blood to the brain and head. Also known as carotid stenosis, the condition increases your risk of stroke, which deprives the brain of oxygen and is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. 

To prevent this potentially life-threatening medical emergency, if you’ve been diagnosed with carotid artery stenosis, you may be advised to receive treatment. Here’s a closer look into the types available, and how to select the best option for your needs.

Lifestyle Modifications

In mild cases of carotid artery disease, the objective of treatment is to stop the progression of the condition. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, routine exercise, and smoking cessation may be recommended. You may also be advised to take medication to control your blood pressure or cholesterol. Take note however that these approaches are typically only advised for patients in whom the risk for stroke or transient ischemic attack (temporary blockages known as “mini strokes”) is low. 

Anti-Platelet Medication

“Antiplatelet drugs prevent blood clots from forming by stopping platelets from sticking together,” explains ((VSA HEALTH EXPERT XXX)). While these medications can reduce the risk of stroke in people with carotid artery stenosis, they also carry their own risks. “Most notably,” says ((VSA HEALTH EXPERT XXX)), “by preventing the blood from clotting, they can also lead to excessive bleeding.” Also be warned that accidental overdose of antiplatelet drugs can be life-threatening.

Carotid Endarterectomy

If you’ve been diagnosed with a severe blockage or you’ve already experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack, you’ll likely be advised to have the blockage removed. There are two options for doing so: carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting.

Carotid endarterectomy is a treatment in which the plaque, or blockage, is surgically removed from the artery. The treatment is effective, long-lasting, and safe. The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia, and most patients are able to go home the next day.

Carotid Artery Stenting

Stenting is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy in which a stent is inserted in the carotid artery to open it up, thereby allowing blood flow to the brain. In this procedure, the surgeon places a stent in your artery through a needle puncture, which then opens the artery up and traps the plaque between the stent and the wall of the artery.

In general, stenting is a safe procedure with strong outcomes. It’s sometimes considered safer than carotid endarterectomy because it doesn’t involve an incision in the carotid artery. The short-term outcomes for stenting may include a higher risk of stroke, but the long-term outcomes from a successful stenting are no different from carotid endarterectomy.

Factors such as your unique anatomy and age may be weighed when helping you determine the best surgical approach for carotid artery stenosis. For example, younger patients face lower risks of stroke after stenting, compared to those over the age of 70.

The highly trained surgeons at Vascular Surgical Associates can help you make an informed decision for the best carotid artery disease treatment based on your needs. We have 11 board-certified vascular surgeons who specialize in treating carotid artery disease. Browse through our locations online, and set up a consultation by calling 770-423-0595.