Advanced Treatment for Arterial Blockages at Vascular Health Institute
Arterial Disease Specialists with Decades of Experience
Don’t let arterial disease stop you from doing what you love. As one of the top vascular groups in the East Bay, we use the latest technology to help you get out of pain and back to life faster. Our on-site vascular lab makes appointments even easier.
Arterial Blockages Q & A
What are arterial blockages?
Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to all parts of your body. When arteries become blocked, it reduces blood flow and oxygenation of the tissues.
A buildup of deposits that contain cholesterol, known as plaque, is usually the culprit in arterial blockages. When plaque buildup clogs your arteries, you have atherosclerosis.
The team at Vascular Surgery Medical Group treats all types of arterial blockages, including:
Peripheral artery disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects blood flow to your extremities, usually your legs. The lack of oxygen leads to nerve and tissue damage that may cause leg pain, numbness, and wounds that heal slowly or not at all.
Coronary artery disease
The coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. Without sufficient blood flow, your heart can’t function as it should. This may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and even a heart attack.
Carotid artery disease
The carotid artery supplies blood to the brain. A blockage caused by plaque or a clot could lead to a stroke or a transient ischemic attack, which deprives the brain of oxygen. Stroke symptoms may include trouble speaking, headache, and weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
What tests and procedures diagnose arterial blockages?
Vascular Surgery Medical Group is fully equipped to diagnose all types of arterial blockages. First, your surgeon performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your medical history. They may also order one or more diagnostic tests, such as:
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Vascular ultrasound
- Stress test
- Angiogram
These tests help your surgeon confirm the presence or location of an arterial blockage and determine the best course of treatment.
What are my treatment options for arterial blockages?
Depending on the type and severity of your condition, treatment for an arterial blockage may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
The team at Vascular Surgery Medical Group has years of experience with minimally invasive treatments for arterial blockages. They have a minimally invasive operating room on-site and utilize all of the latest technologies, including balloon angioplasty and stent placement.
These procedures involve inserting a long, thin tube called a catheter into the blocked section of your artery. Your surgeon inserts a balloon into the blockage and inflates it to expand the artery. Then, they may insert a stent to hold the artery open. Many stents also release medication to treat the arterial blockage.
For advanced, minimally invasive treatment of arterial blockages, call Vascular Surgery Medical Group at 510-357-4006 or book an appointment online today.
