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Atheroma / Arterial Occlusive Disease
Although the symptoms and signs of arterial occlusive disease may be unmistakable, in many cases there is difficulty in establishing a definite diagnosis by clinical examination alone.
Measurement of the ankle/brachial pressure index is a useful guide to the presence of lower limb arterial occlusive disease but performed only in the resting state may not always reflect the extent of disease. An exercise study involves measurement of arterial pressure in the leg both before and after exercise on a treadmill. This allows exclusion of patients with spinal claudication or other causes of leg pain, and allows distinction of those with arterial claudication and the level of the problem.
A post exercise decrease in ankle pressures suggests an abnormal study and is followed up with an arterial duplex scan to determine the nature and level of the disease. This identifies those cases that are suitable for minimally invasive endovascular techniques such as angioplasty as opposed to those that will require surgical intervention.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm can be screened with ultrasound making very accurate measurements of aneurysm sac.
Conditions of Atheroma / Arterial Occlusive Disease
Carotid artery disease
Carotid artery disease, is a narrowing of a carotid artery. The narrowing is caused by plaque or fatty deposits along the inner wall of the artery resulting in reduced blood flow to the brain. In some cases, a complete blockage of the artery can result. Similar to coronary artery disease, a carotid artery also may develop atherosclerosis, a chronic disease characterised by abnormal thickening and hardening of the arterial walls with resulting loss of elasticity on the inside of the artery.
Subclavian steal syndrome
Aortic dissection
Endovascular repair is usually required to treat aneurysm, most frequently with a stent graft.
It is a minimally invasive procedure with shorter recovery periods and is an alternative to major open surgery. Our vascular surgeons perform these procedures regularly on aortic aneurysms. See more information on our page about Surgery.
Mesenteric ischcomia
Renal artery disease (Kidney Disease)
Claudication
Outstanding progress has been made in recent years by vascular surgeons, specialists and diagnosticians to identify and treat peripheral artery disease (PAD) early. As it is a condition most commonly affecting the legs, symptoms are more noticeable when patients report pain or difficulty walking.
Much more needs to be said here by Doctor authors, in bullet format is fine, for KR to develop content. Please advise specific ways SSVC treats PAD.
How we can help
Early detection is essential to arrest or prevent arterial disease. Speak to your doctor about a referral to South Sydney Vascular Centre where we perform diagnostic evaluations and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
How we can help
Early detection is essential to arrest or prevent arterial disease. Speak to your doctor about a referral to South Sydney Vascular Centre where we perform diagnostic evaluations and recommend the most appropriate treatment.